INSIDE
OCTOBER 2010
SPECIAL EDITION
The future of Moringa Crops - Page 4
Tree planting in Paraburdoo - Page 6
Tom Price pool reopens - Page 8
Brockman 4 – Our Latest Shire Asset
The opening of Rio Tinto’s Brockman 4 Mine is set to bring future benefits to Tom Price and outlying communities. Shire President Greg Musgrave and Greater Brockman Operations general manager Michael Gollschewski during the official opening of the mine site. Photo by Christian Sprogoe Photography.
Shire President Greg Musgrave traded his presidential cap in exchange for a hard hat and protective eyewear, when he spent a night at Rio Tinto’s Brockman 4 site shortly after it opened for business to learn just what the new site would mean for the people of Ashburton. The opening of Rio Tinto’s $1.63b Brockman 4 iron-ore mine near Tom Price last month signals the beginning of change for those living in the Shire of Ashburton, with Rio Tinto offering a raft of employment opportunities and vowing to support local business ventures and service providers. Covering a geographic footpath of 13,000 hectares, the mine located just 60kms northwest of Tom Price has already sent its one millionth tonne of iron-ore to Dampier for shipment - with an initial target output of 22mtpa and the capacity to expand to 40mtpa.
Currently the site focuses on drill and blast and load and haul operations. Comprised of a state-of-the-art accommodation camp, Rio Tinto offers its 530 fly-in fly-out miners and contractors a selection of modern facilities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts and a wet and dry mess. The precision involved in managing the opencut mine is impressive, with the site utilising the latest equipment including modular mining systems in all the trucks and diggers and hightech GPS-based mine management. Read more on Page 2.
Inside this issue Special Edition “Brockman 4 Feature”
2
Tom Price Community News
4
Onslow Community News
5
Paraburdoo Community News
6
Pannawonica Community News
6
Rio Tinto Community Information
7
Sport News
8
Contact Details
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Brockman 4 – Our Latest Shire Asset (cont) Last month Shire President Greg Musgrave was invited to spend a night at the mine site where he spent several hours meeting with key personnel to learn about the mining operation and the magnitude of the project. “We wanted to have a firsthand look over the mine site simply to gauge the impact and quantify the size of the assets and its benefits to the Shire of Ashburton and Tom Price and being onsite for several hours allowed me to do this,” he said. “Brockman 4 is totally reliant on a FIFO (flyin fly-out) workforce and on the surface this is disappointing given Brockman 4 is only a 45 minute drive from Tom Price on one of the best roads in the district,” he explained. “On this basis one could argue against the justification for FIFO because our strategic outlook is to develop and maintain sustainable communities.” Cr Musgrave said learning about the economic benefits that could arise from the opening of the mine, for both Tom Price and the Shire, changed his opinion of FIFO. “After you realise and acknowledge the amount of work locally based contractor’s gain, it starts to put things into perspective ,” he said. “It’s a question of balancing the advantages to both the business and the Shire.” Cr Musgrave said it was also extremely fulfilling to see the number of local Traditional
Owners getting involved in the mining operation and planning. “Its encouraging to see Indigenous people and TO’s involved so intricately in the mine site.” Greater Brockman Operations general manager Michael Gollschewski said Brockman 4 enabled Rio Tinto to sustain its production rate and prevent declines in the high-grade ore. He said construction of the mine site and accommodation camp took just over two years to create, with most of the miners moving into the village accommodation in February this year. “It is very rewarding for everyone that’s been involved because you see these things being conceived in drawings and on paper.... it’s been a fair while in the making,” he explained. Mr Gollschewski said over the next few years Rio Tinto would expand to the next two phases of the project, with the company’s long-term goal to increase its Pilbara production rate to 330mtpa by 2015. He said Rio Tinto was committed to investing in regional areas and supporting local communities by offering the regions employment ahead of its city counterparts. “It’s also really about purchasing locally and supporting the local businesses and using local service providers where we can, for some of the recent modification works we have been using local contractors.” Female presence in Brockman 4 currently
A panoramic shot of Brockman 4's accomodation camp. Photos taken by Christian Sprogoe Photography and Christian Fletcher.
stands at 16%, however Mr Gollschewski said the team was hoping to expand this figure to 25% and would target university students and organise talks with school aged children to teach them the benefits of working on a mine site. “To make a difference in the future we need women in leadership roles,” he said. Although the mine only opened for business a number of months ago, managers say it has already exceeded its target of recruiting Aboriginal employment for the year, with the company now looking to expand this number to 15 per cent. Brockman 4 dozer, grader and haul truck operator Aiden Ashburton is a Traditional Owner of the PKKP group and had the privilege of loading the first pile of iron-ore into the crusher during the official mine opening. He said the experience was an honour. “I felt so proud because I had not only my family but the entire mine site there, everyone had a smiling face and it felt like I was part of a team,” he said. For Mr Ashburton the mine site is like a home away from home for him, with many of his family members also working at the mine. “There are heaps (of jobs) there for our people who want to come out and start mining,” he said. “Put yourself forward and don’t feel frightened...I love it (this job) you can’t ask for anything better,” he said.
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Letters to the Editor
Pilbara Community Legal Service
If you have an issue or a topic you would like to discuss then why not send us a letter to the editor. Please include a contact name and the town you live in. Letters can be sent to PO Box 567 Tom Price WA 6751, attentioned Letter To The Editor or email to bianca.thair@ashburton.wa.gov.au. Letters must be received by the third Friday of each month to ensure they are published in the next newsletter. Letters will be accepted and edited at the Editor’s discretion. The Shire reserves the right not to publish any material which it deems defamatory.
“Empowering people living in the Pilbara to manage their lives effectively”
Karajini gets funding boost from State Government
Our Services include: · Financial Counseling Service · Regional Tenancy Advocacy Service · Public Tenancy Support Service · Homelessness Accommodation Service · Housing Support Worker Drug &
The West Pilbara is set to benefit from the State Government’s $20 billion boost to nature-based tourism,with Karajini among a pool of other parks to receive upgrades over the next four years. Money will be spent on building better and safer roads in the area. Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the investments ensured more caravan and camping opportunities for tourists.
PILBARA COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE (PCLS) is an incorporated, community-based association providing a range of services to the people of the Pilbara region, PCLS has five office locations throughout the Pilbara – Karratha x 2 , South Hedland, Roebourne and Newman.
· · · · · · ·
Alcohol Indigenous Tenancy Accommodation Service Supported Housing Assistance Program (SHAP) Community Legal Service Program Solicitors Domestic Violence Advocacy & Victim Support Services Domestic Violence Outreach Domestic Violence Case Management & Co-ordination Service (Pilbara Wide)
South Hedland 9140 1613 Karratha 91855899 & 9144 1611 Roebourne 9182 1169 Newman 9177 8708
Pet Profile
Calendar of Events Tom Price Mobile Laser Skirmish Classes October 8, 2010 - 2pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Clem Thompson Oval Practice your aim with an infra-red laser as you go into battlefield scenarios. There are three sessions in Tom Price aimed at 7-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds. There will also be a session available for 17-year-olds right up to adults. Bookings are essential and can be made at the Community Services Centre on 91880807.
Paraburdoo Mobile Laser Skirmish Classes October 8, 2010 - 9am to 11am
Main Oval There are three sessions in Paraburdoo aimed at 7-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds. Bookings are essential and can be made at the Community Services Centre on 91880807.
Leaping Lizards - Boys sleepover movie night October 8, 2010 – 5pm
Onslow Primary School Library 5 – 12 years Dinner provided. Bring sleeping bags and PJs. Please contact Marcelle on 0418 823 791 or Anita on 0415 921 452.
Pink Ribbon Car Boot Sale October 17, 2010 – 9am to 12pm
Tom Price Drive-in Have you got bits and pieces at home you would like to sell, then book a car bay for $5 and be part of the Pink Ribbon Car Boot Sale. Registrations can be made by contacting Karen at r.k.grant@bigpond.com or phoning on 0448 890 286 or Rachel at samnrach@bigpond.com or phoning on 0447 808 711. Sellers to arrive at 8am and buyers can come from 9am. There will be a sausage sizzle and cool drinks to purchase.
Ordinary Council meeting October 20, 2010 – 9am
Ashburton Hall, Paraburdoo This meeting is open to the public.
Rio Tinto Picnic Day, Paraburdoo October 23, 2010 – 4pm to 10pm
Main Oval A free community picnic day at Main Oval.
FESA Treasure Hunt Car Rally October 24, 2010 – 10am Paraburdoo Fire Station.
FESA Open Day, Paraburdoo October 24, 2010 – 3pm
Paraburdoo Fire Station Come down for an open day at the fire station.
Pink Ribbon – Champagne Breakfast October 30, 2010 - 9am to 2pm
Tom Price Community Centre Tickets are $50 per person and entitles you to a cooked breakfast and two glasses of champagne. Tickets are limited so buy now to avoid missing out at Mister & Sister or Rio Tinto Tom Price Gatehouse.
Name: Dusty Age: 10 years Looking For: My one true love. Likes: Tummy rubs, pats, sitting on your lap, greeting you at the door, watching the world go by from the doormat. Dislikes: Too much noise or activity. Appearance: Absolutely gorgeous: sleek, slim and shiny. Other Pets Are: I would prefer to be the only furry member of the family. Favourite Song: Dusty Springfield’s ‘Wishin and Hopin’ because I am wishin and hopin you will fall in love with me. My middle name is Unconditional Love! About me: I am a stunning middle-aged lady looking for my one true love. Just like Dusty Springfield, I am a really lovely lady and I just don’t know what to do with myself until my perfect match comes along. I used to be homeless and since being cared for so well, I have grown to relish the sweet life of being appreciated and cherished. Unfortunately, my carers are leaving town so sadly they have to leave me, which puts me back on the market for another lucky candidate! I only want to be with you. If I do say so myself, I am a really great catch, even at my age. Unconditional love is a rare treasure, and I can offer it to you. I am a loyal and doting companion who will greet you every single day at the door the very second you arrive home from work. I will smooch and cuddle you and sit on your lap while you tell me
about your day. Don’t get the wrong idea though, I’m not the clingy high maintenance sort who will get in your way. I am an independent, mature lady who is simply ecstatic to be dear to you and to be a prized part of your home. Don’t let my age get in the way, I have a long time left to spend with you and I truly deserve a great home. I just adore spending my days watching the world from the front door and my ultimate fantasy is to have a doormat, home and humans to call my very own. You are my perfect match if you are looking for a gentle, caring and devoted companion who will make you feel loved and valued, as I hope you will make me feel in return. If you think we could be a perfect match, please call SAFE on 9185 4634 or check me out at www.safe.asn.au.
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Tom Price Community News Shire of Ashburton does its bit to reduce landfill
Engineering manager Jeffrey Breen teaches kids about the benefits of recycling.
The Shire of Ashburton is doing its part to reduce rubbish in its towns by setting up recycling depots in Tom Price and Paraburdoo. Last month, children from Tom Price Primary School were invited to attend a recycling demonstration at the local tip. After a speech and question session from the Engineering Services manager Jeff Breen, students from years one to four were given a tour around the facility and shown how recyclable materials were crushed and bailed. The large crushing machine was used to compress the material and the kids were
then shown the end process of a large bailed product. Mr Breen said the finished product was stored in the depot until it could be taken to Perth for recycling. Mr Breen said it was a successful day with around 130 kids learning the advantages of recycling. “The kids were really enthusiastic and asked lots of smart questions” he said. Mr Breen said there were many limitations when it came to recycling for those who lived in Tom Price and Paraburdoo due to the distance and isolation of the towns; however he pointed out the importance of recycling at home to help alleviate the problem.
Tom Price local services set to grow following Shire’s recent budget announcement
Mister & Sister storeowner Belinda Main began trading last month and said she has already been inundated with support from the local community.
Tom Price can now look forward to more local businesses in the not too distant future, following the Shire of Ashburton’s budget allocation of $3m to develop additional land for residential and commercial use. This combined with the Shire’s promise to begin site work to develop 59 lots of land in Pilkena, Warara and Yaruga Streets and to also expand the light industrial area in Tom Price, will offer more land for new business headquarters.
With home businesses and retail stores already flourishing in the area, the announcement offers stability for investors looking to start-up their own business or those wishing to expand existing enterprises. Two local businesses that have opened recently in Tom Price are All is HAIR in love and War and Mister & Sister. These outlets bring hair, beauty and clothing to locals in Tom Price and Paraburdoo. The opening of stores such as these are giving locals more choice at home and
ensuring money is pooled into sustaining the local community, rather than being spent elsewhere. Mister & Sister storeowner Belinda Main said since her shop opening last month, community support has been amazing and another business owner, All is HAIR in love and War’s Teigan Don agrees. Teigan said due to demand the salon had been operating late nights and said she appreciated the ongoing support from her customers.
The Shire of Ashburton, Rio Tinto and Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation move towards a sustainable future
Shire of Ashburton, Rio Tinto and Gumala Aboriginal Corporation look towards the future after planting a trial crop of Moringa to look at the advantages of using biofuel to aid mining operations in the region.
The first Moringa trial crops have been planted by local school children in the Nameless Valley in Tom Price in the hope that the project can bring a sustainable and economically viable source of biofuel to the mining industry. Local school children were among the first to plant seeds in late September which will grow into two metre high trees within nine months. The trees will be trimmed back, pods harvested and the seeds extracted and crushed for oil. Project funding of $150,000 came from the Pilbara Water Opportunities Program which is managed by
the Department of Regional Development and Lands. The trial, which was supported by Rio Tinto, will determine if Moringa crops can produce an economically viable biodiesel which can be used in the Tom Price mine’s drill and blast operations. Biodiesel has already worked well with waste cooking oils being collected around the Pilbara and processed for the use of the Tom Price mine. Drill and blast superintendent, Dave Keating said the use of biodiesel at the mine had been great. “Processed waste cooking oil has been used in the creation of blast explosives at the mine, the product has had no downfall recorded so far,” he said. Moringa not only can be used as a diesel substitute but also has value as a food crop. Smaller pods can be sold on the vegetable market where there is a large multicultural base of people in Australia who source it. This makes the product different to that which is currently
available and suggests it could be very profitable. Tom Price mine manager Mark Eaglesham said he believed the planting of Moringa would lead to future research and development. “If the crops prove to be sustainable then a larger commitment will be made,” he said. The Shire of Ashburton assisted Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation to source funding for the project and provided the trial site for the Moringa crops. Shire of Ashburton engineering services executive manager Jeffrey Breen said that the Moringa crop trial was just another example of the Shire and Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation working together to establish a sustainable business for local Indigenous people. Mr Breen said that the support of Rio Tinto was also crucial to the success of the project. “Both organisations should be congratulated for their innovation and foresight,” he said.
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Onslow Community News Onslow cleans up for a cause On September 12, Onslow participated in its annual Great Northern Clean Up at Front Beach. It was a successful day with 11 adults and six children participating, working hard to collect
well over 25 bags of rubbish. Some of the items participated on the day and the group found discarded included cigarette to those who couldn’t make it butts, plastic, glass bottles and clothing. A but volunteered to collect rubbish before the day. big thank you goes out to all those that A sausage sizzle ended the day nicely.
Onslow Multi-Purpose update with Project Coordinator Geoff Shoemark The tiling has commenced and painting emergency systems • Plumbing fittings and hot water services internally and externally is well underway. including water wise tap outlets fitted with Electrical and plumbing fixtures will be installed by this month and are associated with the timers • Commercial kitchen fit out construction of the fire tanks, water storage and integrated pump systems. • Electrical fixtures fit out The upgrade to the Horizon Power supply and • Installation of floor coverings including the cushioned sports hall floor Water Corporation water supply connections have • Installation of sporting fixtures in the also been completed allowing power and water Final stage of Onslow MP facility. supply connection once all internal fittings have sports hall been finalised. • Installation of window treatments It is all getting exiting as we see the final shape Civil external works have commenced with • Installation of the solar power system and of the internal facilities in the multi-purpose facility earthworks and road and carpark pavement diesel standby generator system as the works have reached lock up stage with all construction. Low retaining walls installation to • Construction of the day care play area doors, windows and roofing finalised. follow together with bitumen surfacing, kerbing and • Commissioning of all mechanical and All the internal walls and ceilings have been pathway paving aimed for October and November. electrical features installed together with the timber sheet lining to Any queries about works can be directed to Works remaining and being programmed over walls in the sports hall, which when sealed will October and November include: the Shires Project Coordinator Geoff Shoemark on look very spectacular. • CCTV installation and security and phone 0439 649 430.
Macedon project adds further excitement for Onslow residents BHP Billiton’s approval for development of its $US1.5 billion Macedon gas joint venture with Apache Corp has been welcomed by the Shire of Ashburton. BHP, which owns 71.43 per cent of the resource, has received WA environmental approval for the project and will commence drilling four offshore production wells, supplying a wet gas pipeline to an onshore gas treatment plant to be constructed at Ashburton North, 17 kilometres south west of Onslow. A sales gas pipeline will be connected to the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline for sale to the domestic gas market in Western Australia. The gas plant will have a design capacity of 200 million standard cubic feet per day equivalent to about a quarter of the State's domestic gas production. Shire President Cr Greg Musgrave
said he was extremely pleased with the announcement and it signalled new changes for the coastal town of Onslow. “We have been particularly pleased with the manner in which BHP has worked with the Shire,” he said. “BHP Billiton has demonstrated a commitment to the area and the community of Onslow and the Shire welcomes them in as ratepayers and residents.” Cr Musgrave said he believed the hub would have the capacity and proposed projects to rival the Burrup Peninsula for LNG production. “The sanctioning of the Macedon domestic gas project becomes the first project earmarked for the precinct to be endorsed; this marks a very exciting chapter for the Shire of Ashburton and the Onslow community,” he said. “The Macedon project will have
a huge impact on the community’s economic viability and will see the sustainability of the small coastal hamlet increased tenfold.” BHP Billiton and the Shire of Ashburton have had a sound working relationship since the projects inception. Cr Musgrave said Council was keen to assist BHP Billiton wherever possible to ensure the project was a success. BHP Billiton Petroleum chief executive Michael Yeager said the Macedon project would be an important addition to the company’s portfolio of Western Australian projects. “Macedon will be a valuable asset for our company and will improve the security for domestic gas supplies in both the short and medium term for Western Australia, he said. “ It will be the first development in
the important Ashburton North area and will make a strong contribution to the overall growth of our Petroleum operations in Western Australia.” Premier Colin Barnett said Macedon was the first project committed to a new 8,000ha Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Estate and Port, that the State Government was developing, 14km from Onslow in the Pilbara. Mr Barnett said Ashburton North was also being considered by Chevron for its estimated $30billion Wheatstone LNG project and by other potential producers, which will make it one of the State’s most important export facilities. “An exciting era is underway for WA and the West Pilbara, with Onslow and Exmouth poised to benefit from significant new investment and development,” he said.
Lack of water continues to threaten investments in town Onslow’s ongoing water issue is having adverse effects on future development in the town, after the Shire of Ashburton approved a further three developments in its September Council meeting. These developments contribute a further $4m, to recent development approvals of up to $7m and are a mixture of holiday accommodation and business ventures. If the developments proceed they would add an additional 32 beds to visitor accommodation in the town. However inadequate water supply could further impede future growth and investment in the area, with the projects now stalled for two to five years
as building licenses are subject to adequate water supply by the Water Corporation. Shire President Cr Greg Musgrave said Council had worked to provide investment opportunities, through the Onslow Townsite Strategy and Ashburton Visioning initiatives. “Onslow is on the verge of great opportunities and to have business development of this magnitude will support the economic and social fabric of the community. As a Council we are sympathetic of the commercial impact this water constraint has on the economic viability of these individual investments.” Cr Musgrave said he feared investors would pull
out as costs escalated from delays in the projects. “These Development Applications may double in their construction price by the time water becomes available, which may ultimately render the projects unviable – negating the investment opportunity and leaving the community of Onslow and the Shire of Ashburton with nothing.” He called on the State Government to support the Shire and challenged the Water Corporation to publicly provide timeframes and strategies to help rectify the water situation. “We want answers... there is still not enough being done to facilitate major investment projects in Onslow.”
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Paraburdoo Community News Paraburdoo Community Plants Trees as Part of National Tree Day
Paraburdoo residents did their bit during National Tree Day.
The Paraburdoo community planted 145 trees in just over an hour in August, as part of National Tree Planting Day sponsored by the Shire of Ashburton and Paraburdoo Tidy Towns Committee. The smooth-barked coolabah, a species of Eucalyptus which is endemic to Australia, was planted along the entry roads into Paraburdoo from Nanaturra and Tom Price. In total one hundred and ninety trees now stand tall along the roads. Gavin Penfold planted the most trees on the
day, with 15 in total, whilst peddling on his pushbike. The 18 month old trees were supplied by Outback Trees of Australia from Marble Bar and will reach their full maturity in about 10-15 years. There was a good turnout on the day with the Paraburdoo Scouts, Cubs, the Tidy Towns Committee and their families plus countless volunteers contributing. Organisers say there were almost 30 volunteers on the day and thanked everyone involved.
Bad weather doesn’t deter crowds during the inaugural Paraburdoo Red Dirt Rocks Festival The inaugural Paraburdoo Red Dirt Rocks Festival kicked off with its Las Vegas themed ball on September 10. The night was filled with dancing and live entertainment, Las Vegas style flashing lights and decorations, faux gambling, delicious food and the glitz and glam of the 100 plus locals dressed to the nines. The fundraising gambling tables and bar were kindly manned by the local Paraburdoo Volunteer
Peter James and Kaz Adair.
Fire and Rescue Service. Additionally, Trish Linde donated her photography skills. Fe Chef provided a sumptuous cocktail menu which everyone nibbled on delightfully all night. A silent auction was also held and many bids were made on the wide array of memorabilia and souvenirs brought up by Paul Goggin of Impressions Sports Memorabilia & Framing.
Ben Udy and Craig Walton at the Golf Day in Paraburdoo.
The Golf and Family Fun day followed and despite the weather there was still a good turnout. The 4 Ball Best Ball Ambrose competition had to be postponed until the following week, but the golfers who turned up certainly did their best to battle the rain whilst playing 18 holes. The committee members thanked the Paraburdoo community for its ongoing support. Funds raised were donated to The Royal Flying Doctor Service and Police Legacy.
Red Dirt Rocks Festival Event Group 2010.
Band - Undercover.
A Strong Contender in this Year’s Tidy Town Awards
Tidy Town Judge Libby Hoski, Paraburdoo Primary School principal Helen Foan and Tidy Town Judge Fiona Marr inspects the Tidy Town, PPS & CAG Skate Park Project.
Paraburdoo recently played host, when two judges from Keep Australia Beautiful WA Tidy Towns arrived at the town’s doorstep. Judges have been scouring the regions in search of towns that are not only clean but also uphold social and environmental attributes. In mid August, judges
Libby Hoskin and Fiona Marr, who both work for the Department of Environment and Conservation, inspected some of the projects Paraburdoo has completed in the past 12 months. This included the skate park revitalisation painting project, Youth Centre upgrade, Ashburton Hall upgrade,
the solar panels installation at the school and the tree planting preparation work along Camp Road by Outback Trees of Australia. Regional winners will be announced in October, with the State award held on November 19. For further information visit www.kabc.wa.gov.au.
Pannawonica Community News Local kids go the distance for sport
Rising footy starts Aaron Slape and Hayden Dann are committed to football.
Living in isolation sometimes comes at a cost, but two local Pannawonican boys are not letting distance deter them from their love of football. The two boys have spent the past three years travelling to Wickham, Roebourne and Karratha to participate in the sport. Year Six Aaron Slape and Year Seven’s Hayden Dann have been putting on their footy boots and travelling the distance sometimes straight after school because there has been no junior football competition in Pannawonica. The opportunity arose when Wickham Football team picked the boys to help improve their dexterity and enable
them to be part of a team and experience competitive football. The boys continue to live their dream, remaining dedicated to the team during the football season even though they cannot be involved in the regular training or team building activities that the rest of their team benefits from. This feat also recognises the dedication and commitment of the parents, who take turns in driving the boys to and from their games to ensure their kids are given the same opportunities as young boys from larger communities.
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Latest news
Pannawonica rodeo The 15th Annual Pannawonica Rodeo was held on Saturday 4 September with a great turnout of both competitors and spectators. The Rodeo prides itself on producing a great event for families, attracting competitors from all over the state with an emphasis on competition and fun. The grounds, located on the outskirts of Pannawonica also provide free camping for visitors. The committee, made up of Pannawonica locals and managers from the three nearest stations – Yarraloola, Mardie and Yalleen – work tirelessly to organise this showcase event each year. Recent drought conditions in the Pilbara have meant that it was necessary to reduce this year’s event, originally planned with a full three day programme.
Community Recognition Awards
With Tom Price, Onslow and Newman rodeos cancelled and the reduction of Pannawonica’s event, fewer competitors were expected this year. As a direct result, the Australian Bushman’s Camp draft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) agreed to change this year’s event status to a Points Rodeo for Pannawonica to draw more interest. The new status meant that competitors earn ‘points’ for winning a place in each event, which then goes towards a National Points Scoring System. Spectators enjoyed many exciting events, including the Bull Ride and the Kids Gymkhana. The event finished off with a live band - this year Chris Murphy and the Holy Rollers had the crowd jumping. All monies raised from this event are channelled back into the Pannawonica community, community groups and nominated charities.
In the community
Angela Williamson recently received a Community Recognition Award. An extremely worthy recipient, Angela has been involved with various sporting organisations in Paraburdoo including the Paraburdoo Amateur Swimming Club and the Paraburdoo Junior Cricket Club. Angela has assisted the Paraburdoo Junior Football Club and was instrumental in getting Auskick started again in Paraburdoo. Angela has also had a long association with the Paraburdoo Tee-Ball Association, assisting with coaching at the North West Championships and umpiring for many years. Even though her children are no longer involved with these Clubs, Angela still offers her assistance and is often found umpiring tee-ball games. Well done Angela – this recognition is very well deserved.
Pannawonica Community Forum On the 7th of September Rio Tinto Robe Valley and Accommodation and Towns Management Teams held a Community Forum. About 70 people were present to listen to the updates from both parties as well as ask any questions about the town and mines future. This was then followed by supper provided by Urs Catering.
Pannawonica and Wickham the fittest
Paraburdoo skate park reopens
Rio Tinto’s mining towns may be the fittest in regional Western Australia if the City to Surf is a benchmark.
The Paraburdoo Skate Park has recently reopened with a bright new look.
Pannawonica and Wickham scooped twothirds of the prizes for regional City to Surf fun runs with most participants and most kilometres run. NIB Insurance awarded prizes to the biggest regional City to Surf events, with the Prime Health-led events in these two Pilbara towns winning a total of $10,000 Pannawonica won most kilometres run by a medium size team, meanwhile Wickham won biggest team and most kilometres run for over 101 participants
Children from the Paraburdoo Primary School designed artwork and spent time after school transferring the artwork onto the various jumps. The skate park project also featured in the General Appearance category of the 2009/ 2010 Paraburdoo Tidy Towns submission. Rio Tinto arranged for the jumps to be stripped of paint, primed and then sealed after the painting was completed. Also thank you to 3D Paint Supply for the donation of the spray paints. Congratulations to all the teachers, children and parents involved with this fantastic project.
If you wish to nominate an individual, family or group that add significant value to their local community for a Community Recognition Award then please contact your Rio Tinto Community Officer: Tom Price - Kris Starcevich Kris.Starcevich@riotinto.com Paraburdoo - Jacquie Price Jacqueline.Price@riotinto.com Pannawonica - Amanda Williams Amanda.williams@riotinto.com
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Sport News Touch Season About to Begin for Another Year TOM PRICE TOUCH ASSOCIATION 2009 - 2010 TYPHOONS – B GRADE WINNERS
games will run for 20 minutehalves (down from 25 minutes last season) and a later start at 7pm (previously 6.30pm), to give shift workers and Marandoo FIFO more time to get there. Ten teams have nominated. Previous team Slayers have folded and a new team Galahs will come onboard. Castaways and Mauling Boners will again be the teams to beat with very healthy squads and a long track record of success. Back Row : Levi Lawson Ashley Forsyth Tom Astwood Shaun Eames Castaways dominated last season Jarrad Astwood Steve Smith Abe Pirini Ryan Hicks Typhoons B-Grade Grand Final Winners. Front Row : Stacey Black Marie Brandis Kim Castle and looked to make it three in a row, Jamie Emmerton Shakira Lawton Raelene Hicks Absent: Druskovich Adam Druskovich Babao Simonis Druskovich Justin Black TheAlicia highly anticipated 2010-11Jacob Touch season but were beaten by a very spirited Boners team, shaping up to be another successful year. who incidentally were playing in their sixth straight Scratch games have commenced on Friday Grand Final. Their win was on the back of vintage nights at 7pm on Clem Thompson Oval and the games from Kev Walsh and Pat Cave who upset Draw is just being finalised. their fancied rivals. Panthers, Sharks and Boondies The competition will most likely commence will also provide stiff competition having recruited under lights on Friday October 15 and any new strongly in the off-season, although all teams have players are always welcome. had their share of departures from town. There There will be a return to the old format, voted were also some key defections with the biggest in at the 2010 AGM, where all teams will compete coup being the shift of last season’s MVP, Barry over the full season in the one Division. Ellison and Miria Taua going from Panthers to join A further change to the timing, means that all their cuzzie bro’s at Typhoons. Panthers also
lost Bronte Tyrell-Starcevich who signed a lucrative contract to join Sharks. Castaways will welcome back club legend Alia Pilot and Cori Tipene, but will lose Syreeta Fawcett and Sari Nona for this season under similar circumstances – pregnancy! Jayke Emmerton will be a very handy recruit for B Troop, and Hooligans have acquired the services of Sarah Langlois. Budgies season will depend on how long they can keep Michael (Razor) Reyland, who made a huge impact in the couple of game he played earlier this year. The Galahs line-up is a complete mystery at present, so it will be very interesting to see how their team takes shape, and where the remnants of Slayers players end up. Most teams still have an opening for new players as there is always a constant turnover of members throughout the year. By player numbers alone, Tom Price Touch is the largest sporting organisation in town having an annual registration of around 200 players in any one year. A check through the register indicated that over 600 players registered for Touch in the last three years which gives a fair indication of the very transient nature of the population of town. The season kicks off Friday October 15. To find out more please contact Jim Gordon on 91433559.
Tom Price pool reopens just in time for summer
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After massive refurbishments to the Tom Price town pool which caused its closure for two seasons, the grand reopening was held last month with record numbers attending the day. Over 350 people were there for the event held on September 24 which included inflatable toys for the kids to jump around on and a BBQ. The Tom Price pool underwent complete refurbishments to its plant room, admin area, kiosk, lawn, toilets and also the
Advertising and news enquiries can be directed to Bianca Thair on 9188 4444 or email bianca.thair@ashburton.wa.gov.au
changerooms. The pool now boasts a state-of-the-art automatic water sanitising system and also a brand new water playground which was the highlight for kids and parents alike on the open day. Tom Price pool manager Ray Martin said he was excited about the reopening of the pool describing it as the “entertainment hub of Tom Price.” He said there were many programs and activities planned for the upcoming season.
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Kids splash around at the recent pool reopening in Tom Price.
Administration Centre Poinciana St, Tom Price WA 6751 (PO Box 567) P) 08 9188 4444 F) 08 9189 2252 E) soa@ashburton.wa.gov.au W) www.ashburton.wa.gov.au
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