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Volume 14, Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Camel Cup delights
Camels await the action at Saturday’s Marree Australian Camel Cup. PHOTOS: Adrian Scroop
T
he Camel Cup may have been the star attraction, but there were also donkey and dog races, novelty events and even a tug-o-war to delight attendees at the 25th Marree Australian Camel Cup at the weekend. Visitors and locals flocked to the Marree Racecourse for the event, held on Saturday, which saw the small town’s population swell with tourists and people from surrounding areas. The event featured a quirky and entertaining line-up of events as the Marree and District Progress Association Incorporated (MDPAI) gave visitors the opportunity to experience their unique brand of outback culture. The day’s fun-filled program provided visitors with a range of events where everyone could experience
the uniqueness of the outback. Highlights included many camel races including the Camel Cup and Afghan Memorial Race, as well as a Calcutta, Fashions of the Field, licensed bar and catering, Sky Chanel and on-course bookmakers. “The crowd clamoured four deep along fence rails and balanced precariously from wooden benches to get the best view of donkey and dog races, tug of war and hole in one,” said MDPAI’s June Andrews. “Children scampered hurriedly to catch as many lollies in their hats as they were tossed from the judge’s box. “The entire organisation of the Camel Cup truly reflects the authenticity of the lifestyle and history of Marree.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
The tug-o-war was hotly contested.
Emu Walk, playground upgrades funded R oxby Downs’ Emu Walk is headed for an upgrade, after the State Government announced $200,000 in funding this week.
The funding will match Roxby Council’s contribution, also of $200,000, as outlined in its 2017/18 Draft Annual Business Plan. Although the draft plan is currently awaiting final approval by the government, Roxby Council Administrator Geoff Whitbread said the Emu Walk upgrade an-
nouncement was good news. “We are still waiting for final approval for the overall 2017/18 budget, which includes a $200,000 allocation for the Emu Walk project, but the fact that the government has approved its half of the funding is a very positive sign,” he said. “The Emu Walk is a great way of linking together many of the various recreational spaces throughout Roxby Downs, and once upgraded will encourage residents and their families to get outside,
get some exercise and lead a more active lifestyle.” The Emu Walk is a three-kilometre recreation trail which travels through a number of reserves and playgrounds throughout the town, and includes walking tracks, native plantings and interpretive signage. The upgrade, worth $400,000 in total, will include the installation of seating, more lighting, directional and interpretive signage, and improving shade through landscaping.
Roxby Downs’ Hermit Street playground will also receive a facelift as part of the project, and will be transformed into a nature play-based, fenced space incorporating boulders, logs and earth mounds. The local project is one of 27 across South Australia to share in $7 million funding from the State Government’s Open Space and Places for People grants under the Planning and Development Fund. Member for Giles Eddie Hughes also welcomed the news, saying
it was “pleasing to see the muchloved Emu Walk trail and Hermit Street playground will both receive a rejuvenation.” “Thanks to these funds, locals will be able to access newer and more modern facilities – which will increase the appeal of the area.” More than $4.9 million of funding will support other regional areas including Kapunda, Laura, Waikerie, Berri, Kangaroo Island, Port MacDonnell, Victor Harbor, Port Pirie and Whyalla.