FREE Your only locally owned and operated Newspaper delivered free Edition 18, 2013
TRANSPORT NEWS GUMI CHAMPIONSHIPS OUT AND ABOUT TUMUT REGION TUMUT RACES PRO RODEO LOCAL NEWS GANMAIN TRIATHLON YOUR SAY CSU NEWS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOME DECORATING
Looking for great photos of the Riverina Head to riverinapaparazzi.com.au Phone 0402 585770
Hi everyone the first edition for 2013 which will be a big year for our paper, as you will see we have expaned out with our readership increasing as far as Albury, Henty, Coolamon, Ganmain, Matong, The Rock, Lockhart, Leeton, Gundagai, Junee and as far as the Beautiful Tumut region. This edition we look at weeked get-aways within our region so spend only an hour and a half and your there! How good is that.... Tumut is the destination for this edition, I have spent alot of time over there fishing and relaxing, going to the races. When in Tumut I stay at the Country Comfort the host Ian and Vicki are so accommodating. The food was great and the whole motel has been refurbished so very nice place to stay it also has a great pool and BBQ area. Christmas for me was a nice time spent with family and friends, I am lucky to have such a wonderful family although I did’nt get to wake up with my kids I made the most of it so to all the sole parents out there hats off to you! Riverina News borrowed Santa from the north pole AKA Paul Lockley and took him around Wagga and Uranquinty much to the joy of many Children. The Lake Village Christmas party was a great success with many people joining in on the season spirit, live music - great entertainment even the kids joined in for a sing a long which was wonderful to see. Hats off to Foot at Foodworks Lake Albert for such a great party and all the businesses who supported the event.
Wagga Women’s Health Centre – Mayor’s Comments: Mayor Rod Kendell is Delighted to announce the Celebrating Women Gala Concert which will be held on 27 March at the Civic Theatre in aid of the Wagga Women's Health Centre The concert will offer a spectacular night of entertainment featuring the Australian Army Bank Kapooka, Golden Guitar winner Tamara Stewart, popular local band Groove Factory and a range of talented female artists to celebrate the achievements of women in the musical arena
A big Congratulations to Lisa Corney and Kenneth Young who are celebrating their engagement in March
Popular national television celebrity Andrew O'Keefe, an Ambassador for White Ribbon, will MC the event Wagga Wagga City Council is a key supporter of the Concert having donated the use of the Civic Theatre for the Concert - many council employees have worked hard to help deliver this event Council is also staging a Mayoral Reception prior to the concert in recognition f the significance of this fundraising initiative to host dignitaries and other key stakeholders Tickets to the event are available from the Civic Theatre and online - 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Wagga Women's Health Centre new building project
Out and about in Tumut
To all the businesses who support our locally owned and operated publication a big thank you! May 2013 be a very prosperous & happy year for you all. hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year and I hope you continue to enjoy reading Riverina news which is now also available online as a free download at http://issuu.com/riverinanews Cheers Marion Jones
The Breust Family enjoying the Tumut Races
CSU supports local leadership program Committee 4 Wagga and Charles Sturt University (CSU) have joined forces to further develop a leadership program for talented businesspeople in Wagga Wagga. An initiative of Committee 4 Wagga which targets local individuals with identified leadership potential, the Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip the region’s future leaders with the skills necessary to contribute to the city’s future growth and development. “The program is entering its second year, and the support of Charles Sturt University is an exciting step forward for our developing leaders and the city of Wagga Wagga,” CEO Committee 4 Wagga, Mr Chris Fitzpatrick, said. “It is significant that the University has recognised the Emerging Leaders Program and invested in our city’s future leaders.” CSU is the main sponsor of the Emerging Leaders Program which will provide mentoring, education and skills development events to businesspeople in the city over 12 months.
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CSU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann, said CSU’s primary reason for existence is to contribute to its communities. “We see leadership as a critical issue for the future of Australia and are excited at the opportunity to help grow leaders in Wagga Wagga and the Riverina.” CSU’s Faculty of Business Executive Dean, Professor Lesley White, said the program was a wonderful initiative. “The program is a positive step toward ensuring sustainability and growth within the region and we are thrilled to be contributing to that.” The University’s involvement includes a significant financial sponsorship contribution through to providing practical academic content with CSU’s Faculty of Business designing and delivering several seminars throughout the 12-month program with some of its key business academics. A number of high profile local identities have already contributed to the program through keynote presentations, including Mrs Kay Hull, Ms Anne Delaney, Dr Richard Harrison, Group Captain Tony Checker and Colonel David Hay. Committee 4 Wagga Chair, Ms Judy Galloway said, “The imprimatur of Charles Sturt University adds a significant and important stamp of approval to the Emerging Leaders Program from a highly valued educational provider”.
or give us a call on 0402 585770 to book a professional photographer.
Wayne Black Full range of pressure washers and“Black” look out for our special on the SP tool range. Wayne Black has decided to retire after 10 years of good loyal service in the store and on the field. 65 in November, Black was a colourful character (jovial) and well received. Bursons will miss his broad range of knowledge Dave said “We wish Black and his partner all the best in there grey nomad world”. One of many funniest moments was when a client rang to ask about his account balance – the response from Black was “we are not a bank” and hung up the phone, a very funny man. Previously at Repco for about 22 years prior to joining the team at bursons. Dave and his team at Bursons wish Black all the best.
53 Berry St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Phone: 6921 1766
Good skin care — including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come. Don’t have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips. 1. Protect yourself from the sun. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection: Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. When you’re outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring, seek shade. Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays. 2. Don’t smoke: Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles. If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking. 3. Treat your skin gently: Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle: Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water, avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers. Shave carefully, to protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving, for the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF. 4. Eat a healthy diet A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin. 5. Manage stress Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect. Hair Care Tips & Tricks to beautiful hair. The following are some basic hair care tips that you can use to improve the health and look of your hair. A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair for you. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating nutritiously are not healthy for your hair. Get enough sleep. Hair Products (Gel, mouse, hair spary...) Avoid using hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair. Avoid puting hair styling products directly on your scalp; if you put it on your scalp you’ll clog the pores on your head. Swimming - Before entering a pool, wet your hair so your hair will soak up the initial water instead of the chlorinated water. When swimming where a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water, if you choose not to wear a cap make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are done swimming.
Drying,Hot air can be damaging to your hair so when using a hair dryer use the cool setting. Don’t leave the blow dryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and at a good distance away from your hair. To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towell and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally. Gently use your fingers or a pick to untangle any knots while your hair is drying. Combing/Brushing Use a brush whose bristles are made from natural animal hairs, it is softer and more flexible, which means less damage will be done to your hair.
Always brush/comb with a downwards stroke. Avoid using plastic brushes/combs which create static electricity Shampooing and Conditioning Buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type. Trial and error is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair. (Head 2 Toe can help you out) Shower with warm water; hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp. It is important to wash your hair; shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils, any hair products you may put into your hair.
“Great tips and tricks from local professionals head 2 toe on looking after your whole body - Head to toes”
Hair is most fragile when it is wet so avoid brushing or combing when it’s wet, or else it will cause breakage. Wait until your hair is almost completely dry before brushing it. Use brushes/combs with widely spaced bristles/teeth and smooth tips. Sharp tooth combs can damage your hair, cause split ends, and scratch your scalp. To keep your brushes and combs clean, wash them weekly using soap or shampoo. Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it. Begin by combing your hair gently at the ends to get any tangles out and work your way up to the base of your hair.
Head 2 Toes hair, hats & beauty Hair
Competitive pricing with professional hairstylists. We use mainly Affinage products which are a fantastic company with a huge colour range and great styling products.
appointments for all other waxing needs, along with eyelash tinting & apprentice Bryce is a competent waxer having also completed a waxing course. Sprays tans with Adina tans and make up including air brush make up for a flawless finish. Rachel had built a beauty room which is in the process of being painted and decorated at the moment. Scarlet Ribbons Millinery Hand crafted millinery items for : Race meetings, Cup day, weddings & special events. You may need a small petite fascinator or exquisite silk French flower , felt winter hat or head piece shaped to suit your face shape, flatter your selected outfit and make you feel as glamorous as you deserve just call for a appointment with Rachel.
Their shampoos and conditioners are of very good quality and price. Haircuts, colours, foils, perms, treatments, foils, tips, sets, blowdries (including ’Brushes’ set blowdry), formal and wedding upstyles and celebrity hair extentions with friendly, well trained and accomadating staff. Beauty Rachel has also completed a diploma in beauty therapy she offers manicures, pedicures shellac and acrylic nails. You are able to pop in for a facial waxing or make
Shop 2, Lake Village Shopping Centre UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT As well as offering hair care for the whole family We now do a beauty service And had crafted millenery
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Thursdays 9am to 7pm Saturdays 9am to 1 pm
FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUEST WARNING
Facebook is a great way to stay in touch and even maybe catch up with old school friends. There are potential dangers associated with accepting friend request from strangers. By accepting a request from a person you do not know; you make yourself vulnerable in that they have access to your timeNick Grentell and Jamie Cave With Malcom the fire fight- line, photos and other personal ing helicopter at Wagga airport over the Christmas new details.
year period
Safety Tip: Periodically go through your friend list and remove people who you are not familiar with. Do not accept friend request from Government Officials, Politicians or Police Officers unless you know them personally. Check with the person to ensure that you have the correct profile. Do not accept a friend request because they are listed mutual as friends if you do not know the person. Report any person to Facebook and block their profile if you do not know who they are or you have received an inappropriate message or comment in your status.
http://www.staysmartonline. gov.au/home_users
ENTRIES are now open for the annual ANZAC Day writing competition organised by Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. In a letter sent to school Principals last week, Mr McCormack invited students from local high schools and primary schools to write a poem, essay or short story, no longer than 250 words, about “ANZAC Day in the Riverina”. “This is a great opportunity to encourage Riverina school students to take part as a way of promoting creative writing about a subject of such importance to our nation and its people,” Mr McCormack said. The best entries chosen will receive a commemorative ANZAC-related book, to be presented by Mr McCormack. Primary school students will have the chance to win a beautifully illustrated storybook A Day to Remember, a picture book tracing the story of ANZAC Day through the past 100 years. For high school students there is a magnificent hard-cover book The Lost Diggers, by Ross Coulthard, on offer. “As well as receiving the book, each of the eight winners will have their award-winning work and photo appear in my commemorative ANZAC Day glossy booklets which will again be distributed across the region in the lead-up to ANZAC Day this April. All entries will receive a special signed Parliamentary certificate as a keepsake. “I look forward to seeing the creative writing talents of local students on display,” Mr McCormack said. Now in its third year, Mr McCormack’s ANZAC writing competition had more than 500 entries in 2012. Entries can be sent to Mr McCormack’s Wagga Wagga or Griffith electorate offices. Submission of entries closes on Friday 15 March 2013 at 5pm.
2/22 Edward St Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
PRIEST’S COACHES Available for hire
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The Wagga Pro Rodeo was held at Equex on Saturday with The arena packed with spectators for the evening of thrills and spills. I thought it was one of the most sucessful of all run in our region thousands turned out for the jam packed action.
David Hayes and daughter Gabby loved the Gumi Race
Archy thought the races were great!
Councillor Andrew Negline (Deputy Mayor) said “it’s Great to see the Gumi back”.
Rick Murtagh - Wonderful day at the Gumi Race with other navy mates
Sarah Wentworht-Perry says the Gumi is Awesome and enjoyed the day with friends
Daniel Pennie & Dennis West from St Johns enjoy coming out and helping people. Hours Wagga Wagga Thursday 1pm – 8pm Friday 5pm – 8pm Saturday 7am – 8pm Sunday 8am – 1pm
PHONE ROD 0404 317014 EMAIL: rodsgolfsupplies@live.com.au
Sandra Terena Brophy Interiors O408862539 Hello readers, Welcome back to the new year. I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. This time we’re going to talk about beach inspired decorating and its laid back settings that are just right for summer. Whether you live by the beach or just dream about ocean breezes, you can enhance the natural beauty of your home with just a few touches of the beach theme. Beach house decorating is about imitating nature’s own colour palette, keeping your house uncluttered and relaxed and utilising sea themed colours, fabrics, accents and textures. It is a mindset of serenity and peacefulness. Let me elaborate. Beach style decorating usually means a pale white on white colour scheme. To add depth to your varied palette, look for objects in different shades of white from dove to buttercream. Then use them all together. If white
green, turquoise, coral, sand and driftwood tones.
prismatic reflectiveness of a crystal accessory lends a wonderful touch. Think shells, sandstone, limestone, marble, driftwood, nautical accessories, fish, starfish, sea birds, artwork,
maps, rope and shell rimmed mirrors. Remember, you don’t have to select all of these to have a successful beach house look. So enjoy the creation of your beach house look. Remember, you’re not locked into anything. Follow my easy tips and you’ll be on your way to your laid-back beach feel! Sandra Brophy
Advertise your business in Riverina News call Marion on 0402 585770 There is huge flexibility in the selection and style of furniture that can be used. Vintage, contemporary, distressed, rattan, wicker, rustic, cottage are all acceptable. Choose your favourite or mix different styles. Floors preferably can be distressed hardwood or lime washed. Linen and cotton are classic beach house fabrics for upholstery or slipcovers, especially in solid white or unbleached neutrals, from off white to tan. If you’d like to add a pattern, try ticking stripes, pre-faded florals, or geometrics. The play of light in a beachside home is essential. Try to mimic anything that enhances the shimmer, movement and reflection of the water. Mirrors are useful in enhancing this effect as well as glass accessories. The
is not your taste use a pop of colour. Blue and white is a classic colour scheme since blue represents the sea and sky. Other options include Caribbean aqua and turquoise, as well as the shades of pink and peach found inside seashells. If you prefer neutrals, use shades ranging from driftwood to sand. Try not to over accessorise. When choosing interior paint colours you want to imitate the colour hues from the sky, water, and sand. Again, use colours such as soft blues, light-
BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICE Residential and Commercial. Pre-purchase inspections. Building defect and Maintenance Reports. Building Consultant Licence BC820 - Builders Licence No. 25556C
Call Brad Wilson Telephone: 02 6922 4140 Mobile: 0418 240 080. 3 fletcher Place, Kooringal. P.O. Box 8499 Kooringal, 2650. bradwilson2@bigpond.com. bradwilson2@bigpond.com Independent inspections not affilliated with or share advertising costs with any Real Estate or Property Agents. Contact brad direct, he will organise access to the property carry out the in-
DARBY MUNRO 0417 665 063 PHIL GANNON 0418 695 007
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Four Charles Sturt University (CSU) television production graduates are living the dream, having successfully secured a highly sought after year-long internship with the Nine Network in Sydney.
partly be attributed to our internship summit and subsequent internship program, which Channel Nine are big supporters of,” he said. “We now have internships with all free-to-air networks, both in Sydney and regional areas, and several of the key Pay TV operators. “It is a great success story for the University and shows the impressive performance of our students while on internship.” One of the CSU students chosen for the program is Wagga born and bred Mr Brad Rogers, 22, who completed his degree at CSU in Wagga Wagga. He described the opportunity to work as an intern as fantastic. “Throughout the year we will be rotated around five departments and at the moment I’m in a role called transfers which involves the recording of shows to servers and DVD,” Mr Rogers said. “Everyone I’ve met is helping me learn these skills and I am also accompanied and working alongside past students of the course. I am looking forward to what’s to come and am interested in possibly pursuing a career working in the live studio environment one day.” Nine Network’s Operations Director, Mr Geoff Sparke, said the trainees would be required to act as a junior in each department they work in.
Channel Nine has recently launched a new initiative called the Operational Internship Program where five operations trainees have been employed. Four of the five trainees are graduates from CSU’s Bachelor of Arts (Television Production). The graduates will work in various departments, from news operations, vision switching, props, and post production work for a period of two months in each department. CSU’s School of Communication and Creative Industries Associate Head of School, Mr Patrick Sproule, said it was a win for both CSU and Nine. “This success for Charles Sturt University can
Charles Sturt University (CSU) has received a national IT award for service to its staff.
“It is not purely a training role but as an effective member of the department, albeit a junior position. Each intern will be in a fundamental position to take advantage of any vacancies that come up during the period. If a vacancy appears and the trainee is deemed suitable based on the two months that he or she has worked in the department, they will be offered the position,” he said. “This whole program is to better prepare Channel Nine for filling vacancies as well as a much needed trial period for entrants to the industry to prove themselves as well as validate that they have made the right career choice. Each department tenure will give real world exposure to particular skills that may not have been considered.”
The Council of Australian Universities Directors of Information Technology (CAUDIT) conducts annual surveys of universities in Australia and New Zealand, and in 2012 its Benchmark Ranking for IT Support Services to staff ranked CSU as number one in the tertiary education sector. The executive summary notes, ‘Many universities have implemented continuous improvement activities designed to respond to the reported needs of staff and their effort has been recognised in the improvement in ratings’. This includes CSU which was ranked 20th in 2011. Mr Brian Roberson, the director of Client and Services Management in the CSU Division of Information Technology, said, “The Division of Information Technology has been working hard over the past four years to provide an exceptional level of IT service to our University community. The divisional focus on building staff capability, on listening to and responding to University needs, and on delivering consistent and timely services has culminated in this award for 2012. “Recognising the need to continually adapt to ever-changing environments has driven the Division to review existing service models and implement new, innovative models that provide equitable IT services throughout the University, regardless of the size or locality of the campus. “The focus on work process improvements, problem management, and knowledge transfer has resulted in far more efficient work flows with an end result of an improved end user experience. This award is shared by staff across the entire Division and reflects their dedication and professionalism, and we humbly thank CAUDIT for this acknowledgement.” The award was presented to CSU by Ms Bronwyn Fletcher, the executive director of Systems Thinking, the company working for CAUDIT to conduct the annual surveys, on Thursday 14 February at CSU in Bathurst. Mr Roberson and Ms Vicki Brown, manager of Customer Service Management in the DIT, accepted the award on behalf of the Division.
FOODWORKS BACK TO SCHOOL FOR ANYONE WHO MAKES A PURCHASE IF YOU MENTION EITHER LAKE ALBERT PUBLIC, MATER DAI COLLEGE OR MATER DAI PRIMARY ONE PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF YOUR SALE WILL GO TOWARDS THAT SCHOOL. IN 5 YEARS WE HAVE DONATED OVER $16,000 TO THESE SCHOOLS. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR OUR
*INSTORE MANAGERS SPECIALS
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EASTERN RIVERINA ARTS WINS ARTS FUNDING Daryl Maguire MP Member for Wagga Wagga today announced that Eastern Riverina Arts has secured NSW Government funding towards performances by "The String Contingent"
WOW! The 4th Annual Ganmain Public School P & C Triathlon on February 4th was a massive success with record competitors in all events. In front of his home crowd, Caleb Noble took out the Coolamon Steelworks Open against a 112 individual competitors. Noble smashed the previous course record in ideal triathlon conditions and won comfortably from Harry Rees (Narrandera) and Alex Holbrook (Wagga). Noble and Rees entered the pool side by side, but Noble was first out, having only the narrowest of leads going into the final 5km run. With the run being arguably his strongest leg, he was always going to be tough to beat, crossing the line in 53 minutes and 42 seconds. He was a very gracious winner, acknowledging the efforts of his fellow competitors and thanking all those whom have supported him so far- namely his parents and training partner Shane Lenon, but also the broader Ganmain community. Julie Gollan-Foard from Albury was the first female across the line in a time of 1 hour and 21 seconds, also setting a new course record in the process. She was an impressive 8th overall, crossing the line ahead of Louise Strachen of Leeton and Sarah Finlay of Morvan.
Mr Maguire said Eastern Riverina Arts, Wagga Wagga, received $1,500 Prop-Up grant for performances by cross-genre string trio ensemble ‘The String Contingent’ in Harden and Coolamon. Minister for the Arts, George Souris, said funding is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to foster innovative, creative forms of artistic expression, increase opportunity for up-and-coming artists and promote greater public access to their works. “This is a great example of how modest investments in arts development can deliver an abundance of benefits, not only for artists, but also to the whole community. “Funding support allows artists to expand their skills, help get greater public exposure of
In the Knights Meats Junior Triathlon for competitors aged between 9 and 14, over 60 individual competitors and seven teams took part. Wagga’s James Trevaskis was an impressive wignner in a time of 23 minutes and 44 seconds, only a few seconds short of Tom Noble’s 2012 course record. Jacob Bell of Ariah Park was the second boy home followed by Jameison Booth of Leeton. Chloe Hamblin of Ganmain, was the first girl home, crossing the line in 24 minutes and 43 seconds. Hamblin set a new course record in this years’ event and blitzed her female rivals with a massive six minute gap between herself and second place. She was also second overall to Trevaskis. Sophie Norman of Leeton and Christine Drew of Bethungra were second and third girl home respectively. Whilst the 12 to 14 year olds dominated this race, there were a large number of 9 to 11 year olds who performed exceptionally well and challenged their older counterparts, including Matthew Hamblin, Ellie Crozier. Only two minutes separated the top three teams in the Junior event, with The Temora “Just Do It” team of Hannah and Brooke Harper prevailing against the Matong Rockets (Daneka Hatty, George Hatty, and Jarrod Evans) and cousins Kayla Irvine and Mackenna Carroll. The Sub Junior Event for competitors 8 years and under was also well supported with thirty plus individual entrants. Jobe Gentle was first across the line ahead of Jacob Taylor of Ganmain. Abbey Hamblin of Ganmain was first girl and second overall, followed by Bella McGinn. Six years and under age category winners were Lachie Cole and Anna Sase. As if there weren't already enough people involved, approximately 30 competitors took part in the Try-a-Triathlon event, which followed the same course as the Junior event and 27 walkers enjoyed a leisurely stroll around scenic Ganmain. Shanna Crozier was the first female home in the Try-a-Triathlon and Zach Masterson the first male. It was fantastic to see so many locals involved in the days events and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Congratulations to all competitors who took part on the day. It was an amazing effort by all. Our triathlon is getting bigger and better every year and is now well and truly cemented in the regional triathlon calendar. If you haven't looked up your results yet, visit the website and see how you went - www.ganmaintriathlon.com
Coolamon Steelworks Open Results 2013 Open Male - Caleb Noble Open Female - Julie Golan-Foard Open Local Male - Caleb Noble Open Local Female - Carolyn Stewart Under 18 Male - Caleb Noble Under 18 Female - Beth Rees 18-29 Male - Alex Holbrook 18-29 Female - Grace Rees 30-39 Male - Peter Harper 30-39 Female -Julie Golan-Foard 40-49 Male - Steven Trevaskis 40-49 Female - Kerrie Gentle 50+ Male - Peter Thomas 50+ Female - Marion Byrne Open Team - Shaw/Willis
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It is with great sadness that the National Transport Commission (NTC) advises of the passing of our Chief Executive Nick Dimopoulos. Nick passed away on 8 February 2013, surrounded by his family. The Commissioners and staff of the NTC honour Nick’s tremendous contribution to our organisation and the Australian transport industry. Nick was a visionary, a tireless champion for transport reform and a proud father and husband. Nick’s positive influence on the NTC and the transport industry generally will be felt for years to come. In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family have requested donations to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. George Konstandakos will continue in the interim as our Acting Chief Executive. About Mr Nick Dimopoulos – National Transport Commission Chief Executive, 2006-13 Nick Dimopoulos was appointed Chief Executive and Commissioner of the National Transport Commission (NTC) in 2006. Since joining the NTC, Nick guided the organisation through influential stages in its history, including overseeing the implementation of the 2009 review of the NTC. Nick also led the NTC’s support and delivery of Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) and Council of Australian Governments (COAG) reforms set to transform Australia’s transport system. Nick’s career spanned both the public and private sectors in mining, agribusiness, logistics, finance and infrastructure industries. He held senior executive and chief executive positions within the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and Victorian Treasury. Nick was involved in mergers and acquisitions with BHP Billiton and worked on World Bank infrastructure projects in China through the early stages of his career. Nick also sat on a number of project boards, which manage SCOTI – and COAGdriven national reforms. Nick studied economics at the Australian National University and completed executive and postgraduate studies at the University of New South Wales and Harvard University. Nick was a member of multiple professional bodies including the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In his spare time, Nick enjoyed attending family and sporting events and community service activities.
New fatigue research body to reduce truck crashes 18 February 2013 The Australian Government’s decision to fund a new Co-operative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity has the potential to reduce the number of fatigue related truck crashes, the Chairman of the Australian Trucking Association, David Simon, said today. On Saturday, the Prime Minister announced that the new CRC will receive $14.5 million. Mr Simon said the ATA and the presidents of its member associations had briefed the Government on the importance of funding more research into driver fatigue. “The need for more research was one of the issues we raised during our TruckWeek delegation program at Parliament House in August last year,” Mr Simon said. “The Government’s decision recognises that addressing driver fatigue and alertness is vital for the trucking industry’s safety. Although the proportion of serious truck accidents caused by fatigue has halved, insurance industry figures show that fatigue still causes 10 per cent of serious truck crashes. “We know that more than 80 per cent of major crashes caused by fatigue occur on the driver’s outbound journey within 500 kilometres of the point of departure. In other words, the vast majority of these accidents occur because drivers are fatigued when they start work. “Clearly, there needs to be more research into fitness for duty and especially into sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, a condition that can increase the risk of crashing by two to seven times. “Recent research has shown that more than 40 per cent of truck drivers could have sleep apnoea. Only 12 per cent would detect as positive on the test used in truck driver medicals. “In 2009, the ATA recommended to the National Transport Commission that the driver medical standards should include a better test for sleep apnoea. The NTC did not take up our recommendation on the grounds that it belonged in a fitness for duty standard. “The development of this standard and a better test needs to be on the NTC’s work program, with the new CRC working up better methods for assessing sleep disorders and better treatments tailored to each individual. “Drivers who are diagnosed with sleep apnoea and treated can continue to work, they are safer on the road, and they say their quality of life is much better. “As well as thanking the Government, I would like to congratulate Anthony Williams, the interim CEO of the CRC and the many organisations contributing to it,” Mr Simon said.
ASSOCIATION CONTACT DETAILS
Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (02)6247 5434 Australian Furniture Removers Association 1800 671 806 ATA NSW (02) 9922 6507 NatRoad (incorp. Australian Road Train Assoc.) (02) 6295 3000 NT Road Transport Association 0400 107 223 Queensland Trucking Association (07) 3394 4388 South Australian Road Transport Association (08) 8445 8177 WA Road Transport Association (08) 9355 3022 Transport Women Australia (02) 6041 6244 Transport Workers Union (02) 9912 0788 Victorian Transport Association (03) 9646 8590
ATA CALLS FOR BETTER SLEEP APNOEA TEST The ATA has again called for the development of a better, objective test for sleep apnoea in a submission sent to NTC acting CEO George Konstandakos this week. The submission calls for the development of an objective sleep apnoea test to be included in the NTC’s 3 year work plan as part of driver fitness for duty standards.
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ATA National Policy Manager David Coonan (left) said the improved test would allow the industry to support drivers with the condition better. “Sleep apnoea is a condition where a person has difficulty breathing whilst asleep, causing their sleep to be disturbed. Untreated, it has adverse effects on a driver’s health and lifestyle,” David said. “It’s estimated that up to 40 per cent of commercial truck drivers may suffer from sleep apnoea. However, only 12 per cent are picked up under the current medical standards. “We owe our drivers the support they need to get treatment – not to restrict their employment, but to help them to continue to drive and enjoy life.”
NATIONAL TRUCK LAW AMENDMENT BILL PASSED
The national truck laws are expected to apply in a majority of states and territories by the middle of this year, the Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Scott Emerson, said yesterday. Mr Emerson was speaking in the debate in the Queensland Parliament [PDF, 170 KB] about the national truck law amendment bill. The bill was passed with bipartisan support.
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The ATA expects the national truck laws to: deliver $12 billion in economic gains encourage road managers like local councils to make better road access decisions and improve safety with consistent chain of responsibility enforcement. At the same time, the amendments passed yesterday will help fix serious concerns about fairness raised by the ATA. ATA Chairman David Simon congratulated Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, Mr Emerson, federal transport minister Anthony Albanese and the other state and territory transport ministers on the historic milestone. “It’s now time for the other states and territories planning to join the national scheme to press on with their own legislation,” David said.
TRUCKSAFE WELCOMES FORMULA CHEMICALS
TruckSafe is proud to welcome Formula Chemicals (NSW) as its newest accredited member. Formula Chemicals provides a wide range of industrial and water treatment chemicals to clients from Albury to Taree. Director Leigh Smart said the company philosophy has always been to directly service customers using the Formula Chemicals fleet in as safe a manner as possible. "Although the Formula Chemicals fleet is already NHVAS and RMS Clean Fleet accredited, the TruckSafe program gives us procedures and guidance to make our safety management systems top of the line,” Leigh said. “Our highest priority is keeping our drivers, customers, community and environment safe and healthy. TruckSafe helps us make sure we put safety first.”
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Ingredients 3 cloves garlic 4cm piece ginger, peeled, sliced 3 x 270ml cans coconut cream 1/3 cup Thai red curry paste (see note) 6 (about 360g) Lebanese eggplants, sliced diagonally 10 snake beans, cut into 4cm lengths 6 kaffir lime leaves, torn 250g pineapple, cut into 2cm pieces 2 tablespoons fish sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 tablespoons grated palm sugar 2 (600g) chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced 200g grape tomatoes 3/4 cup Thai basil leaves, plus extra, to serve Jasmine rice, garlic chives and lime cheeks, to serve Log in to add to My Shopping List Method Related Recipes Notes Step 1 Using a pestle and mortar, pound garlic and ginger to a paste. Set aside. Step 2 Heat 250ml (1 cup) coconut cream in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until mixture thickens and oil starts to separate. Step 3 Add curry paste and stir for 3 minutes, then add ginger paste and stir for 1 minute. Step 4 Add eggplants and stir for 2 minutes. Step 5 Add remaining coconut cream, snake beans, lime leaves, pineapple, sauces, sugar and 150ml water. Step 6 Bring to the boil and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until eggplants are tender. Step 7 Add chicken and tomatoes, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Step 8 Stir in basil leaves and serve with extra basil, rice, chives and lime cheeks.
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Need to recharge? Escape to the Tumut region Tumut Show - 2 Mar 2013 Tumut Region is picturesque in every season. Crisp, cold mountain air in winter, lush and green in spring, cool, clean waterways in summer and of course the blaze of colour in autumn. There’s plenty to do in the Tumut Region. Whether you prefer high energy or low key leisure activities there's something to suit every taste. Are you looking to reconnect with your family? Drag the kids away from the video games and computers and bring the family to the beautiful panoramic vistas and clear fresh waterways. Enjoy a holiday that won't cost the earth. Are you looking to reconnect with nature? Camp, walk or ride in stunning mountain scenery and crisp fresh air. Incorporating the townships of Adelong, Batlow, Talbingo, Tumut and Cabramurra, and the village of Brungle, the Tumut Region has a wealth of activities to suit your budget and lifestyle. There is plenty to see and do in this region I love fishing and camping and with only an hours drive away what a perfect place to go, mind you the shoping is also good. Visit the Tumut Region, de-stress and reinvigorate your life. http://www.visittumut.com.au
Tumut Showground will come to life with all the attractions of a traditional country show. Contact Details: Address: PO Box 212, Tumut NSW 2720 Phone: 02 69479100 | Andreas Buisman Exhibition - 8 Mar 2013 Adelong Alive Museum will be hosting a exhibition of the work of Andreas Buisman with an official opening on February 8th. Andreas sculpted the rocks that grace Adelong Creek and more of his stunning work can be viewed at his website. Adelong Show - 10 Mar 2013 Two day country show at the picturesque Adelong Showground. Extensive schedule of horse events. Contact Details Address: PO Box 35, Adelong, NSW 2729 Phone: 02 69462365 | Visit Website Batlow Show - 23 Mar 2013 A small country show with a friendly atmosphere to entertain the whole family. See the stunning display of fruit, craft, flowers, cookery and much more in the pavilion. Admire the poultry or horses, make a scarecrow and enjoy all the fun of the fair. Contact Details - Address: PO Box 98 Batlow NSW 2730 Phone: Sarah Kynaston 69491683 Tumut Art Society 56th Annual Art Exhibition - 23 Mar 2013 - Come and view a stunning array of works by talented artists. The Exhibition is open daily, 10am-4pm. from Sat 23rd March and will close at 1pm Mon 1 April. Admission is $5 adults, $3 concession, children free. The exhibition will officially open on Friday 22 March at 6pm for 7pm. The cost is $10 which includes a catalogue, champagne and snacks.
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Public relations ethics - what ethics? Two recently published papers by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) public relations academic suggest the discipline and practice of public relations is an ethical minefield with little to guide those who work in the field. Dr Johanna Fawkes, senior lecturer in public relations at the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst, said while there is abundant theory, it is often vague and idealistic, offering little help to baffled practitioners. “One could argue that public relations as a discipline and occupation has a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality which has contributed to the loss of public trust,” Dr Fawkes said. “PR plays a significant part in the work of businesses, government and voluntary organisations; poor, misleading and unethical communications are widespread in all sectors, yet ethics often receives scant attention.” The two papers are titled, Interpreting ethics: Public relations and strong hermeneutics, and Saints or sinners? Competing identities in public relations ethics. (See publication details at end.) “My examination finds that public relations ethics is confused and often superficial in its approach. It relies heavily on traditional theory, with only occasional reference to more recent developments in professional ethics, particularly feminist and global ethical perspectives,” Dr Fawkes said. “I argue that the central ethical tension facing public relations as a field lies in its divided ethical identity. The particular contrast is between the idealized codes of conduct which conjure images of wise counsel balancing duties to client and society, and practitioner-led expectations that they are advocates and should privilege clients over society. “Both papers suggest it’s time for an urgent rethink of PR ethics and one way forward is to understand that while both positions tell part of the story, neither is the whole truth. So a new approach to ethics means recognising that the aspects that individual members of the profession choose to accept or reject - as in, ‘I provide information, you do propaganda’ – need to be taken on board before meaningful ethics can be constructed.” Dr Fawkes uses the ideas of Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, to bring new insights to the field of professional ethics. She has presented these arguments to international conferences in recent years, including a meeting of oil industry PR people in Aberdeen, UK. Dr Fawkes notes there is increasing interest in this issue as more professional communicators realise the importance of ethics in theory and practice. She is currently writing a book on the topic for Routledge publishers.
If you have a story to share email to stories@riverinanews.com.au or Phone 0402 585770
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SouthCity Newsagency Southcity Newsagency has an ever expanding giftware range with new stock arriving over the next couple of weeks, Forum 6 Movie Tickets are also available along with a large range of business and school stationary, we also have Cut Price Inkjet Cartridges. “If there is something we have’nt got we can normally get it overnight”. find us on facebook southcitynews or www.southcitynews.com.au Shop 6, 1-7 Tanda Place. Wagga Wagga NSW 2650. Phone: (02) 6971 3944. Fax: (02) 6971 3955
If you have a story to share email to stories@riverinanews.com.au or Phone 0402 585770
Bill Turner Firstly thank you to those who have made contact over the past year to support this column. Secondly Happy New Year to one and all, and I hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s with the same planned for the rest of 2013. I hope your resolutions for 2013 lasted longer than mine did. January is not yet over, but I’m sorry to say my New Year’s resolution is already laid to rest. You see, my wife and I resolved to give up wine for January and it didn’t come to pass. Happily, there are more months available for a resolution resurrection. So how’s your New Year’s resolution holding up?
I considered in my circumstances the study of ‘Attachment Theory’ and the bonds I had with my girls. I considered the cost and the risks involved including the damage to them too, should that attachment be lost to them in part or lost all together at their age at that time. Then I considered the costs and benefits between that time, and their adulthood. For me, I had to weigh up one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. That is, I had to consider the risk of damage to my children caused by the conflict in fighting for shared custody and I had to then compare that risk to the benefits I could offer them as their father and the attachments that were clearly part of their development. Which was a greater risk? The damage of conflict, or the loss of contact and parenting by a committed father? As we know I chose to commit to my family, and to be the father I always intended to be. Today, I believe, my children have flourished and made themselves and their parents proud. Make no mistake, I give their mother all due credit for the outcome too. Since 2006 and the Shared Parenting bill and the collation of court outcome statistics, it would seem that the courts accept that shared parenting has a great deal to offer. The familycourt. gov.au website tells us that in 2007/8, the court ordered that the Father have more than 50% custody in 17 % of cases, and 50/50 shared care in another 15% of cases. Then add to this that the court further ordered another 14% of cases for the father to have custody between 30% and 40%. That is a 46% chance that a father would be ordered into some degree of shared care above 30%.
(above) Courtney caught by surprise when the CSU arrived at work. Some of us hit 2013 full force. My oldest daughter won the CSU Digital Ambassador Scholarship for $20,000 for her first year of Physiotherapy. Of course I’m proud. But sadly it’s the end of an era as she’s 18 years old and off to subdue the world in 2013. She’s out of the nest and moving to University in Albury. Now I have 3 more daughters to go and my number two is entering year eleven. To start her new year, she got her driver’s learners permit today. *Sigh* So much parenting left to do. My third and fourth daughters, for whom Santa delivered a trampoline for Christmas, are trying to kill me with it. I’m proud to say I can still scare myself to death leading by example. I’ve proven that I can still do, and coach, a somersault at 45 years old. I can’t claim it was performed with any degree of grace or dignity. None the less the example worked and number 3 daughter has almost mastered it. Some in our community had difficult Christmas holidays. Contact with family can be testing. Contact in families following separation and divorce at Christmas can be the most trying time for all. This leads me into something I want to share as we enter into a new year. Many years ago, before Shared Parenting was introduced in 2006, there was a particular concept at large regarding contact, children and divorce. The concept I speak of is the issue of conflict and the damage to children. This principle is expressed in many ways but goes something like this. ‘Conflict hurts children, therefore we must spare the children and not have the conflict’. Variations of this argument are used to advocate the following logic, ‘that it is better to accept less contact, than to fight for contact’. The moral of this view is to spare the children the damage experienced during the conflict of separation and divorce, and the process involved. This is a difficult consideration indeed, because it contains a good portion of truth. While true, I had to consider how balanced it was in terms of cost as well as beneficial outcomes for my family and my children.
Compare that to the ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’ Parliamentary report in 2003 which found that at that time the court ordered shared care, defined as 35% or more, in only 2.6% of cases. Then we also accept that the conflict is an ever present risk to the health of all involved. We also have a greater acceptance of tools and methods that make shared parenting, parenting plans, property settlement and child support easier to achieve without the risks and the damage of entrenched conflict. We all know, or we ought to know, that we have the Family Relationship Centres. Then we all know we can use councillors and mediators to reduce conflict and reach agreements. Formal orders have the weight of the court behind them, and are enforceable on both parties. Consent orders are generally agreed to by the parties and submitted to the court and are duly sealed by the court to be enforceable. If there is no consent between the parties, the court may also issue orders which are binding as the court so determines. In understanding any or all of these you must seek legal advice as to how they apply to you. Less commonly known, there are options listed on the familylawcourts.gov.au website about Financial Agreement. This may help avoid the tyranny of conflict and court proceedings. The website tells us that “Sometimes people know these agreements as ‘prenuptial agreements’ but the legal term is Financial Agreements”. It also tells us that, “marriage or de facto relationship [may] enter into a binding legal agreement about the financial arrangements should their marriage or de facto relationship break down.” The familylawcourts.gov.au site also tells us that “You can make a ‘financial agreement’ before, during or after a marriage …”. Now that’s not legal advice as I’m just quoting public information from the court’s public website. Again see your solicitor about how it could apply to your situation. More important to this column is not the specific tools available on avoiding conflict, but to share with readers the impact of conflict on raising your children. Obviously conflict free relationships facilitate better parenting communications. It is the quality of good parenting communications that is going to feed directly into the development of your children. Relationships in my view are everything when raising children. Bonds with children are so important, not just for the health of
the parent, but most importantly for the developing health of the child. International law requires us all to consider the child’s right to a meaningful relationship with both parents. Entrenched conflict can best be described as a cancer to this concept. Any professional will tell you that kids will test boundaries. I know I did. Let me tell you a quick story of my own. I remember trying to maximise my benefit between my parents’ separate instructions. I asked Dad for permission once, on a particular matter which I don’t clearly remember. His response was, ‘Ask your mother.’ So I did. But I modified his instruction, and to my mother I relayed it as, ‘It’s ok with Dad if it’s ok with you.’ Accordingly my mother consented to my father’s ‘apparent lead’ on the matter. I was happy because I had achieved my parental consent, or so I thought. You see it never occurred to me as a child of about eleven years old, that my parents spoke to each other or that they would check on me. Of course my mother was no fool, and my permission was short lived when my father confirmed he had not actually given permission but directed me to obtain my mother’s permission. I note here for readers that my parents believed in, and frequently practiced, smacking as their parenting tool of choice. I recall the lesson and the bum delivered reinforcement, some 34 years later. Needless to say I never tried exploiting a perceived gap between my mum and dad again. Now fast forward from then to now and we can clearly see the difficulty with separated parents and the same behaviour. How do separated parents stay on the same parenting page, as my parents did for me? The reality is that shared parenting takes a commitment to clear communication between parents. This can be difficult to achieve indeed. Parents do the job best when they can communicate openly. Include step parents too and it’s even more difficult to achieve. The children do best when they know that their parents remain committed to a unified approach. They know the boundaries are consistent. I’m quite sure I wasn’t the first child to try and get my own way, by wiggling between expressed intent of my parents. I’m also quite sure I won’t be the last child to try it either. Conflict between parents creates a crack here and children’s best interests fall through such cracks. Separation and divorce are arguably some of the biggest challenges children may face during their development, perhaps second only to the consequences of any combination of substance abuse and domestic violence. With about 50,000 divorces per year many people find they don’t have the complications of substance abuse or domestic violence to sort out, and it is just the acrimony and pain of the ‘relationship breakdown’ that drives conflict. If your situation can be resolved without a lengthy dispute, I’d ask readers, it is best to invest in the bonds within your family or invest in conflict?. Isn’t it better to invest in bonds with family if there is any chance of success there? Both options will be difficult and costly investments to undertake, but each has very different outcome and parenting results. One is an investment in the positive while the other is an investment in conflict. I’ve mentioned some of the tools available above which may be worth researching in reducing conflict. Ask your solicitor about them. In my personal story I had to weigh the argument often used which is to; ‘accept less contact with your children’, as a better outcome, rather than risk the damage caused by the fight for contact’. In my experience that was a difficult choice, and I believe that in my personal story I invested the time and effort to the extent that the choice to stay involved clearly paid off. If you face this difficult question, ask your solicitor for all your options toward achieving workable and binding agreements by consent first. You have a duty to live up to the expressed benefits of shared parenting. Think of your kids relationships, such as the child having a meaningful relationship with both parents. Don’t fail the kids benefits expressed under the international declaration on the human rights of your child. Don’t fail those provisions for yourself. But most importantly don’t fail to be a good parent to your kids.
Preliminary works to commence on gasworks remediation site Preliminary works to commence on gasworks remediation site Preliminary site establishment on the Tarcutta Street former gasworks site will commence on Monday, 4 March. “Council’s specialist contractor Enviropacific Services will begin site establishment on Monday, 4 March,” Director of Environmental and Community Services, Janice Summerhayes said. “Site establishment will include the fencing off of the entire perimeter of the Tarcutta Street site to allow for plant and equipment to be brought on-site in preparation for the excavation works.” Air quality testing equipment will also be installed to establish baseline data for ongoing monitoring during the remediation works. “The commencement of works on the Tarcutta Street site means that the current car park will become unavailable for use for approximately 12 months,” Ms Summerhayes explained. “Council will be implementing several measures to provide alternative parking during this period for both timed and unrestricted parking.” Along with the remediation works, there are a number of large construction projects scheduled to occur across the CBD in 2013 which will also add pressure to current parking. “Council is finalising plans to implement marked parking bays across the CBD to maximise parking efficiency,” Ms Summerhayes added. “This efficiency is expected to result in an additional 200 vehicles being able to park within the current CBD parking space and will help ease the parking pressures as a result of the closure of the Tarcutta Street car park site. Project updates and information, including a map detailing the new parking measures that will commence from 4 March, is available at www. wagga.nsw.gov.au/remediation.
“The Riverina fires could well have been deadly.” McCormack calls for harsher penalties for arsonists. The Nationals’ Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has called for harsher penalties for arsonists in a speech to Parliament this afternoon. In a reply to the Prime Minister’s Statement on Australian Natural Disasters, Mr McCormack highlighted the fact most of the Riverina’s fires were deliberately lit by, as he called them, “senseless idiots”. Mr McCormack’s speech comes after widespread fires within the Riverina region during January.“It was reported in Wagga Wagga on 19 January that there had been 18 scrub fires lit and seven trees set alight locally in the previous 18 days,” Mr McCormack told Parliament. “No punishment presently legislated by the states is ever severe enough for arsonists,” Mr McCormack said. “I am in favour of firebugs being made to assist the clean-up operation. Let’s not mess around with people who show such flagrant disregard for others in their communities and an inhumane indifference to animals which suffer from their actions.” Mr McCormack said the view arsonists should be forced to watch as burnt but alive animals are euthanised, “had merit”. “In truth, they ought to have their noses rubbed in the ashes,” Mr McCormack concluded. As Mr McCormack told Parliament, “there were many hotspots across my electorate, including but not limited to Alfredtown, Big Springs, Corby Hill Road north of Narrandera, Mates Gully Road, Oura, Tarcutta, Tumbarumba and Yenda. “But for the exceptional efforts of professional fire-fighters, ably assisted by hundreds of enthusiastic and efficient volunteers as well as those who pitched in to help save their own properties, the damage could have been far more extensive. Mr McCormack also used the opportunity to praise the efforts of Murrumbidgee State Emergency Service (SES) controller, James McTavish, during the floods in Wagga Wagga last year. Reflecting on the recent flood events in Queensland and Northern NSW, Mr McCormack said it was a sensible move for Mr McTavish to evacuate Wagga Wagga’s central business district on the night of 5 March 2012. “I was pleased to see Mr McTavish deservedly acknowledged with an Emergency Services Medal in this year’s Australia Day Honours.”
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Pres: Richard 0417027364 www.waggarodandcustom.org.au Sec: Yvonne 0400316111 Or Find us on Facebook. Tarcutta Markets Large range of stalls, bbq lunch, sandwiches, tea and coffee, cakes and much more. New stall holders are most welcome. Markets are held on the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Memorial Hall, Tarcutta 8am to 3pm Further Information Trish Ph: 6928 4128 or 0427 289 12
Food I Am - Every day until: Thu 28 Feb 2013 Time: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm Food I Am holds a variety of food related events and classes throughout the month!Classes include: Class Tuition, Knife Skills, Food Styling Tips, Ingredients, Recipe Booklet, Lunch/Dinner or Tastings (depending on Class Format) with WineSat 16th FebMaster Ravioli Class 9.30am-1.00pmMaster Macaron Class 2.30pm-5.30pm Mon 18th FebMasterclass Artisan Baker Bernard Hoff - Breadmaking and Pizza Dough 5.45pm10.00pmSat 23rd Feb Master Pasta Class 10.00am-1.30pmMaster Risotto Class 3.30pm -7.00pm Sun 17th FebMaster Nine Speciality Desserts & Pastry Class 10.00am3.30pm Sun 24th FebMaster Class- Italian Biscuits- Biscotti x 5 ways, Crostoli, Amaretti, Canoli 10.00am-3.30pmThurs 28th Feb BBQ – Beef, Chicken, Prawns, Salads and Beer 5.45-9.15pmFor more information go to www.foodiam.com.au or call 0427 250 498.
Volunteers from Tzu Chi Foundation are coming back on the last weekend next month for another visit. They were here in March when our township was still flooded and offered valuable assistance. They are coming back to reacquaint with our residents and evaluate if there are areas where they can be of further help. They will bring along some gifts for the residents nd organise some interactive activities including Dragon Dance and tea ceremony. For thoseof you who have their signature “bamboo” collection tubes, this is also the opportunity to return them so that their contents can be used to help others. A community gathering, Chinese New Year Party is now organised and all are welcome to come to: Senior Citizens Community Centre at 204 Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga Sunday 24 rd February 2013 The program will start at 2 p.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m. Please RSVP via email to sydney@tzuchi.org.au
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Phone: 6925 1186
Isabelle having a great time rocking to the Kapooka Rock Band who play at the Gumi Races
Archer Blake enjoying a play in the river with mum and dad and all the boats
Georgia had lots of fun as a support crew for Viatec
Millie Owen - 8 and Andy Owen - 6 were overwhelmed when the Governor General announced she had chosen their float as the winner. The “Bidgee Bee” Gumi was built over the last two weekends with some help from mum, Rebecca Owen & dad, Nathan Owen. All materials were recycled and it was the decision of Millie to make the raft a “Bidgee Bee”. All their hard work paid off and a fun time had by all.
Noah, Jye, Mia, Tayla, Wil. Some Kids have proven the ‘Need For Speed’ Saturday 16th February was Wagga District Kart Racing Club first official race day for 2013 and the kids in the club have proven the ‘Need for Speed’. There was 13 kids from the ages 7- 16 racing on the day with some of the best single lap times were 38.857 seconds by Jack Dare who races Junior National Light who has been racing for 3 years to Noah Sands who’s best time was 45.216 seconds who had his debut race in Cadets. And Rookie Wil Longmore with a time of 43.012 for his debut in racing. Most of the Junior’s fields where boys but they were challenged by two girls Mia Bolton and Tayla Harnas who travelled from Canberra to race at our track and both girls came 1st in their class. They are now looking forward to the next Club Day on March 17th. When you considered the best adult time of the day was 35.317 seconds by Tony Woodward in Sportsman Heavy the kids are proving to be great competitors. Even though it was a hot day there was a good turnout by members and spectators. The canteen ladies kept the socialising alive by organising dinner for those who wished to stay around and have a chat after a fun day of racing. Race results for the top 3 of each class are as following: Cadets: 1st Mia Bolton (Canberra). 2nd Noah Sands (debut Wagga). 3rd Caleb Hefren (debut Wagga). Rookies: 1st Tayla Harnas (Canberra). 2nd Wil Longmore (debut Wagga). 3rd Jye Hefren (Wagga). Jnr National Light: 1st Jack Dare (Wagga). 2nd Scott Chaston (Albury). 3rd Connor Vidler (Wagga). Jnr National Heavy: 1st Jarrod Whitty (Griffith). 2nd Harrison Post (Wagga). 3rd Brendon Schade (Wagga). Snr National Heavy: 1st Scott Rapmund (Wagga). 2nd Jake Goodyer (Wagga). 3rd Dean Hefren (Wagga). Clubman Light: 1st James O’malley (Wagga). Clubman Heavy: 1st Mick Linsell (Wagga). 2nd Wil Alexander (debut Wagga). Clubman Super Heavy: 1st Greg Thurston (Wagga). 2nd Garry Schultz (Wagga). Tag 125 Light: 1st Matthew Chaston (Albury) Tag 125 Heavy: 1st John Francis (Wagga) Sportsman Heavy: 1st Tony Woodward (Wagga). 2nd Jake Goodyer (Wagga). Cadets (7 – 11 years). Competitors use a Comer SW80 engine with a clutch or a Yamaha KT100J fitted with a restrictor plate. Approx. Power – 6hp Rookies (9 – 13 years) Using the same principal of the Cadets class the Rookies use a Yamaha KT100J engine fitted with a restrictor plate. Approx. Power – 8hp Junior National (12 – 16 years) With two weight divisions this class allows close competitive racing in karts with reliable engines (Yamaha KT100J) still fast enough to teach the basics of racing at a low cost. Approx. Power – 11hp For more information check out our facebook page. www.facebook.com/WDKRC
STURT HWY, YARRAGUNDRY
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www.wwmcsc.com.au
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The Duke of Kent Hotel have weekend breakfast between 9am - 11 am Saturdays & Sundays Wagga’s Only Open Fire, Enclosed and Heated Beer Garden. over looking the beautiful Murrumbidgee River. All day cooking Saturday & Sundays from 12 - 9pm 125 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650