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IN THIS

EDITION

chandlermacleod.com

Volume 14, Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Rentals

Secker

improve

Page 3

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gets great start Pages 8 & 9

Page 14

Roxby Downs residents formed a ribbon for the Pink Stumps Day event on Saturday night at the Town Oval.

PHOTO: Julie Tovakuta

FOR THE FULL STORY AND SOCIAL PHOTOS SEE PAGES 5 AND 8.

Roxby thinks pink Whitbread to stay

WRITTEN BY AMANDA HUDSON

R

oxby Council Acting Administrator Geoff Whitbread will remain in the role permanently, the State Government announced today.

Mr Whitbread’s appointment is an important step in the new governance structure of the Council, and allows the next part

of the process – recruiting a Chief Executive Officer – to begin.

Mr Whitbread first joined Roxby Council after previous Administrator Bill Boehm resigned in June last year.

Since then, Mr Whitbread has worked to provide transparency about the Council’s operations to the local community. This has included holding public Council meetings on a monthly basis.

In announcing the permanent appoint-

ment, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said he was pleased Mr Whitbread was staying on.

“I am pleased to appoint Geoff Whitbread as Administrator so he can continue to carry out the reforms to the way the Roxby Downs community is served by its Council,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Geoff has a wealth of experience in local government and his knowledge and expertise will help the Roxby Council to continue

to support and serve its community.”

Along with the State Government, Olympic Dam mine operator BHP Billiton was involved in Mr Whitbread’s appointment, which followed the recommendation that the roles of Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) were separated to increase accountability.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Monitor NEWS The

Acting Administrator to remain NRM vacancies

M

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Under the new structure, a CEO will be employed to carry out the day-to-day operations of the Council, while the Administrator will engage and consult with the local community and meet in public to make decisions.

Mr Koutsantonis said this would “deliver the Roxby Downs’ community’s expectations for effective local government”.

Meanwhile, BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Asset President Jacqui McGill also welcomed Mr Whitbread’s permanent appointment.

“The governance reforms under Geoff ’s leadership have already delivered a more engaged Roxby community, who have been encouraged by his efforts to be transparent and more collaborative,” Ms McGill said.

“Roxby Downs is an incredible community and a strong governance model, combined with Geoff ’s leadership and extensive local government experience, will ensure it continues to grow and remains a great place to live and work.”

embers of the SA Arid Lands community with an interest natural resources management are being invited to apply for membership to regional natural resource management boards.

(SAAL) Natural Resource Management (NRM) district-based groups, with current vacancies in the Marla-Oodnadatta, North Flinders and North East Pastoral groups.

Expressions of interest can be made by visiting www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands

There are six SA Arid Lands

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The workshop will be held at Regional Development Australia Far North in Port Augusta and will cost $50.

The session aims to help business owners develop a business plan to help secure the future direction of their business and will cover topics including the

• Geoff Whitbread

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Local reported for allegedly throwing rocks

A

24 year-old Roxby Downs man was reported Saturday night for allegedly throwing rocks at a neighbour’s house on Stuart Road.

He was reported for throwing a missile and has been summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Meanwhile, Roxby Downs Police said they were happy with the crowd’s behaviour at the Pink Stumps Day event at the Town Oval on Saturday night.

“It was good to see the crowd was well behaved on Saturday night, that was a real positive,” said Sergeant Mel O’Donnell.

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The Monitor Newspaper 6 Richardson Place, Roxby Downs

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Phone (08) 8671 2683 www.themonitor.com.au patrick@themonitor.com.au editor@themonitor.com.au jody@themonitor.com.au

Page 2 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

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Monitor NEWS The

Vacancies drop, rentals improving

T

h e nu m b e r o f houses available for rent in Roxby Downs is decreasing, with a significant improvement in vacancy rates in the last 12 months.

According to local Raine and Horne Business Manager Sandy Sumsion, while there hasn’t been any real improvement in houses sold over the same period, a marked decrease in rental vacancies is evident.

“This time last year there were about 185 vacant rental properties on realestate.com.au, although the actual vacancies were possibly higher than that because we do have a number of people who rent their properties out privately,” Mrs Sumsion said.

“When you only have 1,800 properties in the town, a vacancy rate like we had is an awfully large one and if that was occurring anywhere else in Adelaide alarm bells would be ringing.”

Twelve months on, the rental vacancy list across Roxby Downs currently sits at around 80 properties, a significant reduc-

tion compared to the same time in 2016.

“So that’s a clear indication that people have come to town and taken up some of those vacancies,” Mrs Sumsion told The Monitor.

She added that there was a chance that rental prices, after a cycle of frequent decreases, may soon stabilise and even start to increase – although it was difficult to predict.

“There is now a levelling-out of rent rates and when the town fills a little bit more we may start to see a decrease, but I don’t like to scare people by saying ‘we will’,” Mrs Sumsion said.

In terms of house sales, the business is yet to see an improvement to match the changes in the rental market.

“There have been a couple of random sales, but I don’t actually see that as movement as such,” said Raine and Horne Roxby Downs Director Craig Sumsion.

“The sales (across all real estate agents) are still only about 20 per cent of what you would have under a normal market – normally you would have between 80

to 100 sales in a year or more, I think it actually peaked at 130 a year – but the best we’ve had in the last four years was 20 sales in 12 months and that’s for the whole town, not just our agency.”

At this stage there was “no interest” in Roxby Downs from outside investors, Mr Sumsion added, with the sales mostly involving local residents taking advantage of lower house prices. In addition, some of those sales also included bank foreclosures.

Meanwhile, Roxby Downs was recently named as one of the best places South Australian first home buyers can most quickly save for a house deposit.

A Bankwest report released earlier this year listed Roxby Downs in the top ten SA Local Government Areas (LGA) where it takes new home buyers the least time to save for a 20 per cent house deposit.

Coober Pe dy was ranked first, with the bank saying it took just 0.9 years to save for a 20 per cent deposit, followed by other regional areas including Peterborough, Southern Mallee,

T

The event will run from 10am2pm on Sunday, March 5 at the Zealous/Raine and Horne end of the car park, and is a fundraiser for the club’s community projects.

“Anything goes – people with

home businesses, bric-a-brac or their own mini garage sales are welcome – and it’s just $10 for a stall,” said Rotary fundraising committee member Deb Price.

Rotary will keep hungry bargain hunters fed with bacon and egg sandwiches, a sausage sizzle and cake stalls, while there will also be a jumping castle for children.

To reserve a spot or for further information, contact Katie on

$150/week

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Wirrda Street, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space

Raine and Horne’s Sandy Sumsion

Whyalla and Mount Remarkable, and Roxby Downs coming in at ninth place.

A first home buyer in Roxby Downs could expect to spend 1.5 years saving for a 20 per cent deposit for a home, the report says, although Roxby Downs Raine and Horne’s Craig and Sandy Sumsion urged caution when interpreting the data.

“Those kind of reports are very subjective,” Mr Sumsion said.

“And just because they have the potential to save for a deposit while they’re here, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to put it into a Roxby home – often people are saving for a property elsewhere,” Mrs Sumsion added.

Bargains galore at Rotary boot sale

he Tutop Street car park will be the place to nab a bargain when the Roxby District Rotary Club holds a car boot sale next weekend.

Roxby rentals at a glance

0400 169 476 or call into the local Smokemart or Raine & Horne stores.

The Roxby District Rotary Club is also currently holding a wine fundraiser featuring South Australian and New Zealand cleanskin wines. Ranging from $12-$20 a bottle, the wines are available in single or mixed packs and can also be purchased by contacting Katie Meadow before 5 April.

$220/week

Atriplex Court, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces Source: www.realestate.com.au

RDAS numbers increase

N

ew families coming to Roxby Downs have put increasing pressure on the Roxby Downs Area School (RDAS), with current student numbers exceeding predictions made last year.

And, according to RDAS Principal Steve Bennett, if numbers continue to climb the school is only 100 students or so away from reaching capacity.

Mr Bennett said predictions made in April for the 2017 year were well overtaken by the time school began in late January.

“In April (last year) we were predicting 610 students for 2017, by October it was 640 and we ended up with 656,” Mr Bennett told The Monitor.

“The growth has been across the board due to the number of new families.”

Although the school’s capacity is around 800 students, Mr Bennett said this was “more realistically 750” students with teaching spaces taken up by facilities like the Yakarti Room, Out of School Hours Care and Fliipside Health.

With the majority of new enrolments in the reception to year six classes, Mr Bennett said the school had increased staffing to cope.

“In 2017 we have 17 classes (from) reception to six; in 2016 we had 15,” he said.

“In 2016 this put an amazing amount of presure on class sizes, particularly in reception to year six,

RDAS Principal Steve Bennett

with some classes reaching 34 (students) by early term three.

“To cope we had up to 20 hours School Service Officer (SSO) support in each class R-6 as well as employing an additional teacher in term three who provided all reception to year six staff with two extra lessons of preparation time each week.”

Looking ahead, Mr Bennett said a continued increase in school numbers would depend on the town’s economic situation.

“In 2018 we are predicting we may need 18 class rooms for R-6, and that our numbers may reach 680. This will depend on any future plans for additional employment in the town,” he added.

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Roxby District Rotary Club’s David Brown, Deb Price and Katie Meadow are looking forward to the car boot sale on Sunday, March 5.

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Mobile: 0418 806 226 | e: jdillon@smartline.com.au 42 Pine Cresent, Roxby Downs SA 5725 | w:smartline.com.au/jdillon Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | My Blog Wednesday, February 22, 2017 -- Page 3

Monitor NEWS The

Be bold for change

I

nternational Women’s Day is just around the corner and local women are being urged to put Wednesday, 8 March in their diaries and join the celebrations.

Roxby Downs has a strong history of commemorating the day, with the local Women’s Network organizing an event each year, and this year will again see a breakfast at the Dunes Café.

“We held an International Women’s Day breakfast last year and it worked well in terms of timing,” Women’s Network spokesperson Hayley Scrivens said.

“It’s always tricky trying to find a time that suits everyone, but we found that by holding a breakfast from 7am – 9am, people can call in at a time that suits them.”

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The Roxby Downs celebration will include breakfast (ordered from the Dunes Café breakfast menu, which can be pre-or-

dered prior to the event), guest speakers, and a raffle for those who pre-book.

“To assist with planning, we’re encouraging people to pre-book through the Roxby Downs Visitors Information Centre for $3,” Ms Scrivens said.

“This will include an IWD ribbon and entry into the raffle which will be drawn during the breakfast for pre-booked tickets only.”

The 2017 International Women’s Day theme is “Be Bold for Change”, aimed at encouraging everyone to think about how they can help women advance and unleash the “limitless potential offered to economies the world over”, according to the IWD website.

Roxby Downs’ IWD breakfast will include a traditional candle ceremony led by local women, while BHP Billiton Olympic Dam General Manager Surface Aimee Allen will join Sherron McKenzie, former Streaky Bay Mayor and first female trades assistant in a WA mine, as guest speakers.

Tickets for the breakfast can be pre-purchased from the Roxby Downs Visitor Information Centre and are available now.

Former Women’s Forum chair Kaye Doyle led a moving candle ceremony at last year’s International Women’s Day event.

New look for local restaurant

R

oxby Downs restaurant Chives has seen in the new year with renovations and a new look.

The works, completed over the Christmas break, are the most significant since the business opened in 2008, and include filling in the wall in the middle of the restaurant to create a more intimate dining experience.

“We have been working to lift the atmosphere,” said Chives Manager Micheala D’Almeida.

“We have looked to simplify and align to a more boutique market in

town.”

The floor space has been halved and the restaurant now seats 46 people. It has been freshly painted, with a new colour scheme a feature, and the kids’ room has also undergone a facelift.

Now half its previous size, the kids’ room also features artworks by budding local artists Olivia and Georgia Oldfield. The family art theme continues in the main restaurant area, with Tracey Oldfield’s works adorning the walls.

Regulars will be pleased to hear that the menu has not undergone any major changes, with their fa-

vourites all still remaining.

With the renovations now completed, Ms D’Almeida said the current focus was on table service and ensuring diners’ thoroughly enjoyed their entire Chives’ experience.

An icecream freezer has also been reintroduced back into the restaurant, proving to be a hit both with dine-in customers as well as people visiting especially for an after-dinner sweet treat.

Ms D’Almeida said the revamped Chives had been very positively received by customers, with the restaurant often full and people being turned away.

Chives manager Micheala D’Almeida and chef Andrew Wickramanayacke.

Woolworths Roxby Downs Inventory Manager Sarah King with some of the products featuring the new Health Star Rating.

Health star rating scheme comes to Roxby

S

hoppers will begin to see the marketing of the Health Star Rating (HSR) campaign step up a gear in the Roxby Downs Woolworths store.

The HSR system for packaged foods is a government initiative aimed at helping people eat a more balanced diet, with the ‘star rating’ system a “quick and easy guide to help them make more informed choices.”

In Adelaide to promote the HSR program recently, Federal Assistant Minister for Health Dr David Gillespie said Australia had one of the highest rates of obesity in the world and people needed help to eat a more balanced diet.

“With more than 30 years’ experience as a gastroenterologist and consultant specialist physician, I want to spread the word

that our growing rates of obesity and chronic disease are primarily due to poor diet – large intakes of energy-dense foods, with high saturated fat, sugar, and/or salt content, and low intakes of nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruit and wholegrain cereals,” he said.

The system uses stars, from a half to five stars to provide an ata-glance overall rating of packaged and processed food. More than 115 food companies are now displaying stars on more than 5,500 food products and participation is growing rapidly.

The HSR system and the national public awareness campaign are a joint initiative between the Federal, state and territory governments, together with public health and consumer groups and the food industry.

Page 4 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

STARSTRUCK: Roxby Downs’ Damien Harvey snapped this shot of Woomera’s Baker Observatory with his Nikon D5200 on Friday night. www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Monitor NEWS The

Pink Stumps Day teams posed for a photo before the start of the match on Saturday night.

PHOTOS: Julie Tovakuta

Pink for a purpose

A

smaller than usual crowd braved uncharacteristically cold weather on Saturday night to take part in Roxby Downs’ annual Pink Stumps Day event.

The Roxby Districts Cricket Association (RDCA) has been one of the most successful fundraisers for the McGrath Foundation through Pink Stumps Days in the past and organisers were hoping to surpass a total $100,000 funds raised this year.

“We are still waiting on a final tally, but despite crowd numbers being down we are hoping to crack the $100,000 mark we set ourselves for this year,” said RDCA president Adam Malm.

“The crowd numbers were a little disappointing this year but those that did attend seemed to enjoy themselves which was good to see.”

The pink and the white teams did battle once again led by regular captains Clint Gow-Smith and Michael Nelson respectively.

Both teams put on an entertaining performance headlined by the appearance of South Australian Scorpions women’s cricket team member, Alicia Dean.

Dean, visiting Roxby Downs for the first time, said she had thoroughly enjoyed the night and it was great to be a part of such a great event.

“This evening has been brilliant, it’s good to see so many people out,” she said.

“I’ve heard good things about the Pink Stumps Day in Roxby so more than happy to be a part of it.

“Personally (I’m) always happy to help out and cricket in general with the Australian Cricket Association always happy to get involved where they can.

“I think everyone’s trying to do their bit to help out a cause that is affecting, if you’ve got a mother, got a sister, it affecting everyone so (it’s) great to raise the awareness.”

Dean received the full tour of the area from local Katie Meadow including Andamooka and Woomera, as well as taking part in the Pink Stumps Day match.

“Thanks for having me, it has been really enjoyable,” she said.

Dean’s visit follows on from currently Australian spinner Amanda Wellington’s visit last year and Malm said it was great to be able to have these kind of players make the trip up for such an important event.

“It was great for Alicia to take time out of her busy schedule to attend the event,” he said.

“We have been blessed in the past with some of the guests we have had and this year with Alicia being no exception.

“It was great to see her getting involved with the game, mingling with the spectators and just helping support such a great cause THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

which is what the event is all about.”

Michael Nelson and Convatech made donations on the night for every six caught in the crowd during the match, with around $200 being donated from that alone.

Sandvik was also another major supporter of the event, while the Scouts provided a food stall, selling yiros’, to the public, and RDCA players also helped staff the bar.

“It is great to see so many different people supporting such a great event,” Malm said.

“Thanks to everyone that sponsored the event or made a donation or simply volunteered their time on the day, every little bit counts.”

One of the big money spinners for the event, the auction, was not held on the night, and will instead be held online to give people more time to have a look at the items and place their bid.

Items up for grabs include Glenn McGrath signed merchandise. A link to the auction page will be posted on the RDCA Facebook page in the coming week.

A highlight of the night was a large ‘pink ribbon’ image formed by the crowd at the change of innings, with everyone getting involved with pink glow sticks.

RDCA committee members and Pink Stumps Day commentators James Beenham (left) and Patrick Glover (right) with SA Scorpions’ Alicia Dean.

Then.

Now.

Again.

Bushfires will happen again.

Make your ‘Plan to Survive’ at cfs.sa.gov.au Max Masters hits a ball through the on-side during the Pink Stumps match.

www.themonitor.com.au

CFS0184A

WRITTEN BY PATRICK GLOVER

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 -- Page 5

Monitor OPINION The

Imagine waking up to find that the bread winner in your family can no longer work or one of your children needs medical treatment and you need to take months off work. What is the effect on you financially?

There is nothing worse than adding financial stress to an already stressful situation, which is why we suggest you have a reality check and find out what would happen to you financially if the worst did happen.

or heart disease. It is designed so you can stop work and concentrate on getting better. You can use this money to pay debts, cover medical and living expenses etc. You can also add your children to this policy between the ages of two and 16.

Income Protection: is designed to replace your income if you are unable to work because of an illness or injury. It will help you maintain your ability to cover living expenses as a minimum during your recovery period. You are normally covered for 75 per cent of your normal income if you are unable to work, and is payable for the benefit period which can be between two years to age 67 depending on your type of policy.

Total and Permanent Disability: This type of cover gives you a tax-free lump sum if you are permanently unable to work due to accident or illness. As you will never work

r o t i d e

again, you can spend it as you wish.

Life Insurance: Is payato th ble on death or diagnosis of a terminal illness with less than two years to live. There is no tax payable on this lump sum and it ensures that your loved ones have funds to either clear debt or live on now the breadwinner has passed away.

In summary, if you do not have enough money to leave those you love without financial stress then you are not really doing them any favours.

The best advice for you is to get some advice and make sure you don’t have any regrets.

e

I

f you really have a think about it, life can be pretty frightening if you don’t know what’s around the corner. That is why at Seagrims we want you to be sure you won’t have any regrets and start putting your house in order.

We regularly deal with people who are out of work due to illness or have just discovered the shocking news that they are seriously ill.

There are many different types of insurances available these days, from group insurance cover to retail, so you need to be sure you choose the correct one for you and your family.

The more bells and whistles on any insurance policy, the more expensive it will be.

However, did you know that you can actually lock in a premium so the cost doesn’t increase as you age? Imagine how much money you can save in a working lifetime.

The different types of insurances available are as follows: Trauma Insurance: pays you an agreed lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified critical illness event such as cancer

LE

What is your disaster plan? Have you had a reality check lately?

TTERS

Anne-Marie Seagrim

Seagrims Financial Planners

If you would like to share your opinions in The Monitor, send us an email (editor@themonitor.com.au) or a letter to PO Box 72, Roxby Downs SA 5725

Community Calendar FEBRUARY 22 - Roxby Council ordinary meeting, 3pm 25 - Roxby Downs Dirt Circuit meeting, racing starts at 7pm, Red Dunes Raceway 28 - Hornridge Netball Club trials, 7pm MARCH 5 - Clean Up Australia Day 5 - Car Boot Sale, 10am Tutop Plaza Car Park 8 - International Women’s Day breakfast, 7am 9am Dunes Cafe 11 - West Adelaide Football Club U18 trial match, 7pm, Roxby Downs Town Oval 7, 14 - Hornridge Netball Club trials, 7pm 18 - RDAS Parents & Friends Market Day 6, 13, 20 - Olympic Dam Netball Trials APRIL 1 - Happy Healthy Expo 15, 16 - Arid Recovery 20th Birthday celebrations

Got a community event coming up? Let us know!

To add your event to the calendar, email editor@themonitor.com.au or phone 8671 2683.

The Community Calendar is restricted to the basic details of an event (what, where, when).

Introducing The Monitor’s weekend and sport photographers ...

Kristen Dwyer

Julie Tovakuta

The Monitor Your Community Newspaper Employing more locals Page 6 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.themonitor.com.au

Verity Casserly

The

Monitor THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

MINING

OZ copper, gold targets reached

I

ncreased copper and gold production were among OZ Minerals’ highlights for the fourth quarter of 2016, the company recently announced.

With a portfolio including the Prominent Hill and Carrapateena

mines in South Australia, OZ Minerals said it achieved its projected copper guidance for 2016 for the second consecutive year.

“The actions we’ve taken over the past 12 months in executing our strategy have positioned us strongly for the year ahead and beyond,” OZ

Minerals Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cole said.

“Prominent Hill demonstrated its operating discipline, delivering on copper guidance in the face of a major State-wide power outage which resulted in 15 days of lost production during the second half

of 2016.”

In addition, OZ Minerals also extended Prominent Hill’s mine life following a 40 per cent increase in underground ore reserve.

Along with production achievements, the company’s December Quarterly Report, released on 30

EP graphite mine progresses L incoln Minerals has moved a step closer to development of its proposed Kookaburra Gully Graphite Mine on the Eyre Peninsula.

Believed to be one of the “premier” graphite deposits in both Australia and the world, Kookaburra Gully is 100 per cent owned by Lincoln Minerals, which was granted a mineral lease for 21 years from 3 June 2016.

The Kookaburra Gully project is located 35 kilometres north of Port Lincoln.

Lincoln Minerals says preparations for the Kookaburra Gully Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) is well advanced, and it aims to take the project to “critical development and commercialisation milestones in 2017”.

A number of independent studies in preparation for the PEPR have already been undertaken, including geochemical characterisation, met-

Strong graphite, cobalt results at Cockabidnie

H

igh grade graphite and cobalt results have been returned from assaying of previous drilling undertaken at the Archer Exploration Cockabidnie tenement near Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula.

“The drill holes assayed

by Archer are located approximately five kilometres south of the company’s proposed Sugarloaf Graphite Processing Facility and confirm the southern extension of the Sugarloaf deposit,” Archer Exploration said in a recent statement.

The Cockabidnie tenement was granted to Archer in mid-2016, with the company reviewing historical exploration data and assaying prospective drill samples for graphite, cobalt and other minerals since that time.

Previous exploration and drilling by other explorers at Cockabidnie was primarily focussed on the discovery of zinc and nickel deposits.

OUR NEXT MINING FEATURE WILL APPEAR IN THE MAY 3 EDITION OF THE MONITOR

allurgy, groundwater and surface water monitoring, installation of a weather recording station, transport route assessment, a spring orchid survey, and power and water supply options.

Other studies include “conceptual design and costing of a proposed process plant to process 250,000 tonnes per annum of ore”, Lincoln Minerals said in a recent announcement.

Core sample analysis, engineering site surveys, optimised mine design and mine scheduling have also been undertaken.

“The PEPR details and formulates management plans for mine construction, operations, rehabilitation and closure and is the imminent step for Government approval to commence graphite mining at Kookaburra Gully,” the company said.

In addition, samples have been sent to China for pilot plant and downstream product development test work.

January this year, also noted that contract partner Orica achieved ten years’ recordable injury free while working at Prominent Hill.

Annual copper production for Prominent Hill for 2016 was 116,882 tonnes.

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ABOVE: The Kookaburra Gully project is located on the Eyre Peninsula near Port Lincoln.

PGE 198058 AU20207

8671 1353

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8671 2229

admin@mpsgroup.net.au

PO Box 275 - Roxby Downs - South Australia 5725

Magnetite feedback sought

F

eedback is being sought on a magnetite strategy that aims to unlock South Australia’s potential “largely untapped 14 billion tonnes of magnetite iron ore”.

The South Australian Government released a directions paper in mid-January this year outlining the advantages of developing the State’s magnetite for both local and overseas steelmakers.

The paper follows a workshop in May 2016 which found a “broad consensus in support of developing a South Australian Magnetite Strategy to help unlock the full potential of the State’s magnetite assets”, the government said.

“Three key themes were identified at the workshop – the need to assess South Australia’s comparative advantage, identify export markets and

engage with the community.

“The Directions paper, available at www.minerals.statedevepoment. sa.gov.au/magnetite strategy and at YourSAy, further explores these themes and how South Australia can build on its already significant role in the iron and steel sector.”

South Australian Minister for Mineral Resources Tom Koutsantonis said magnetite was a high grade, clean and concentrated product that required less energy for steelmaking.

“In a carbon-constrained world, this will make South Australian magnetite products a desirable export,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Our ambition is to build on the already strong foundation created by our iron and steel sector and make South Australian magnetite a product-of-choice in steelmaking around the world.”

www.abchem.com.au | 0414 727 321

Tim Dixon 0414 727 321

tim.dixon@abchem.com.au www.abchem.com.au • Industrial painting and coating • Concrete works and remediation • Surface preparation abrasive - dry ice - water • Installation and welding of HDPE • Fire proofing (passive) • Wear resistant products • General civil maintenance

Olympic Dam

Operating in Roxby Downs since 1988, proudly supporting the local community.

Monadelphous is a leading Australian engineering group providing construction, maintenance and industrial services to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors.

We build, maintain and support our customer’s operations through the provision of safe, reliable and cost effective engineering service solutions.

“The Safe Way Is The Only Way”

General enquiries: 8671 8888 Public tours (bookings essential) RoxbyLink Visitor Information Centre: 8671 0500 Community feedback: OlympicDamCorporateAffairs@bhpbilliton.com

Phone 08 8671 0020 Fax 08 6316 6420

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

7 Charlton Road, Olympic Dam, SA 5725

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 -- Page 7

Pink Stumps

PHOTOS: Julie & Jasmine Tovakuta

& ABOUT

OUT

Rene Ayala, Lotus Ayala, Maia Ayala, Gaby Ayala, Renz Valdez, Via Valdez and (front) Loren Ayala.

Yogin and Dinesh Chadwa enjoyed Pink Stumps on Saturday night.

Roxby Scouts’ Kadriye Burggraaff, Alex Runge and Sera Amoy.

Ally Steer, Christine Spartalis and Sarah Vonow.

Emma Holbrook, Jacinta Pitman, Josh Arancelovic, Tom Southon and Jayden Thomas.

Ashley and Georgia O’Hara.

Carl Gelsthorpe and Maylie Phillips.

Sam Collings, Jenna Price and Noah Shilling.

Kelly Wise and Katie Meadow.

Amanda and (front) Lila Giles, with Katie Carstairs.

Vicky and Torah Peters.

Maya, Indigo and Phil Smith.

Shakira Ali, Ashlee Malm and Elly Taubers.

Aliyah Brougham, Indy Toole and Chelsea Maywald.

Page 8 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

& ABOUT

OUT

PHOTOS: Julie & Jasmine Tovakuta

Emily and Amelia Johnson, with Veya McKenna, enjoyed Market Day on Saturday.

Roxby Scouts’ Michael Gobbie (left) and Brodie Gaskin.

Sally, Libby, Tommy and Charley Copeland checked out Market Day.

Bev and Zak Zeptner.

Billy, Kai and Xayvion hung out at Market Day.

Sarika Head, Jen Cochrane and Emma Holbrook.

Emma Turner.

Vern Kruger, with grand-daughter Charlotte and Laura Hill.

Steven Kaminski (left) joined Paradigm Advice’s Steven Reynolds and Jo Dillon (Smartline) at the Club on Friday night.

Sam Corneliusen, Marlo, Parker (back), Phoenix, Jaslyn, Stella and Tim Corneliusen.

Lisa Hassan, Rob Charman, Jeff Goodwin and (front) Ava and Rory Charman, enjoyed a chat at the Club on Friday night.

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 -- Page 9

roxby downs community board & forums The Vibe lights up the RoxFM airwaves every Friday from 1-2pm and features (from left) Ines Badman, Anni Giles, Damien Condon and Sasha Yantewo.

Green thumbs at the community garden

D

id you k now that Roxby D ow ns ha s a community garden?

It is tucked away on a large allotment between residential properties on Pioneer Drive, Alberrie Street and Mulgaria Crescent and has been a work in progress since 2006.

In recent years the community garden has really started to take shape with the addition of some infrastructure and the planting of many native species.

A shed has been built to store gardening equipment, a fence has

been erected to ensure the compound is secure and a double composting bay was constructed so that precious compost could be made on site.

Last year the community garden donated a portion of their site to become a Community Education Garden, an exciting partnership between Roxby Downs Area School, Arid Recovery and Kokatha.

The education garden provides a range of experiential and learning activities for students involved in the project, as they learn concepts of conservation, cultivation of native plant species, landscaping principles, tourism and marketing.

The education garden will give Roxby Downs residents and visitors to our town a greater understanding of our arid environment.

The community gar-

den team is excited to see the project evolve throughout the school year, and looks forward to seeing the garden take shape!

There are some exciting times ahead for the community garden, and members of the broader community are invited to join the fun! There are many benefits of joining a community garden including growing fresh food, promoting good health, greening our environment and supporting lifelong learning.

If you’re interested in gardening or learning about sustainable gardening practices, then the community garden is a great committee to be involved in. The community garden meets on the second Thursday of every month. Please email Anni.Giles@roxbycouncil.com.au for more information.

Students at work in Roxby Downs’ Community Education Garden.

JOINING FORUMS

ARTS and CULTURE FORUM TBC

BUSINESS FORUM

If you would like to join a forum and would like more information please contact the following people.

John Wilby 0428 815 436 Tuesday, March 14 @ 6.15pm Community Youth Centre

New members are always welcome.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Vicki Mason 0418 526 608 Thursday, March 9 @ 6.30pm

roxbydownscommunity

Community Garden

ENVIRONMENT FORUM Anni Giles 0448 168 167 Thursday, March 2 @ 5.30pm Council Boardroom

ROXBY ROADSAFE MEETING Michelle Hales 0418 833 818 Tuesday, April 11 @ 7pm Council Boardroom

WOMEN’S NETWORK

Hayley Scrivens 0459 824 026

Wednesday, 8 March @ 4pm Community Hub, Central Traders Mall

MULTICULTURAL FORUM

Theresa Bunyon 0413 609 102 Wednesday, March 15 @ 6pm Community Youth Centre

SPORT & REC FORUM

Terry Boylan 0408 809 469 Tuesday, February 28 @ 7pm Library Meeting Room

FAMILY FORUM

SASHA YANTEWO 0428 727 583 Thursday, 2 March @ 5pm, Community Youth Centre

CONTACTING THE BOARD For further information, advice or general questions please contact: Michelle Hales, Executive Officer Roxby Downs Community Board Inc., PO Box 85, Roxby Downs SA 5725 Mobile: 0418 833 818 Email: communityboard@roxbydowns.com WHO’S ON THE BOARD Terry Boylan • Vicki Mason • Sandy Sumsion • John Wilby • Angela Thompson • Kaitlyn Frankish• Theresa Bunyon • Chad Menzies • Geoff Whitbread • Hayley Scrivens

BOARD MEETINGS Board meetings are held on the last Monday of the month. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe. If you would like to make a presentation or raise an issue, please contact the Executive Officer on 0418 833 818 to be included on the agenda. Confidential discussions with the Board can be arranged if required.

Page 10 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Roxby Council REMINDER

Roxby Council will hold an Ordinary Meeting TODAY, Wednesday February 22 at 3pm in the Council boardroom.

Youth centre open longer F rom February 16, the Community Youth Centre is now open until 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

POSITION DESCRIPTION CAFÉ & FUNCTIONS STAFF CASUAL Essential:  Coffee making experience / barista training  Strong customer service skills  Understanding of WHS and Food Hygiene requirements  Well presented  Available to work over a 7 day roster with some out of hours, public holiday and peak holiday periods  Ability to work in a fast paced environment  Enjoy working as part of a team

The centre is available as a drop-in service for children over ten years, and is fun and engaging with kids’ artwork decorating the space.

Families with children under ten years of age can still use the facility too, as long as children are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

There is a range of activities at the centre every afternoon including craft activities, gaming consoles, desks for homework, air hockey, pool table, and a range of

youth-related support information available.

The Lego Club has resumed for 2017 with two sessions available on Tuesday afternoons. There’s a preschool session at 1.30pm (parents/guardians must be in attendance) and a session for children aged over ten years at 3.30pm. Sessions

are $2 per child.

The Community Youth Centre also hosts events keep a look out on the Roxbylink Facebook page for information on upcoming dates and activities.

For more information on Roxby Downs’ Community Youth Centre, please call Roxbylink on 8671 0500.

Previous experience/training preferred but not essential:  A current South Australian RSA Certificate  Food preparation of sandwiches and light meals  Service of food  In functions or as a waiter  Opening and closing duties

On the job training will be provided If you are a friendly person, hard working, good with customers, reliable and trustworthy, please send a copy of your cover letter and resume to: Jamie Barrett – Human Resources Officer Roxbylink PO Box 300, Roxby Downs, SA, 5725 Phone: 08 8671 0500 Email: jamie.barrett@roxbylink.com.au

2017 STARCLUB Development Training Calendar Safe Food Handling

Thursday March 16

5:30pm to 6:30pm

Jeff Souter

Community Youth Centre

Concussion Management

Friday March 17

Level One Sports Trainer Course

Saturday March 18

Planning & Presentation of Training Sessions

Monday March 27

Community Youth Centre Spots are limited

Wednesday April 5

RD Golf Club

Sunday April 9

Community Youth Centre

Monday April 10

Free

7pm to 9pm Community Youth Centre

Mike Fenwick

Monday May 1

$10

7pm Community Youth Centre

Emma Mattey

Providing Communication and Feedback

$230

1pm to 5pm

Mike Fenwick

Mental Health for young people in Sport

$10

9am to 5pm

Please contact Zara Daniels 0428 428 231

Managing Difficult Behaviours

$80

7pm to 9pm Roxbylink Leisure Centre

Child Safe Officer Training

$15

8:30am to 4pm

Tony Checker

Strapit Tape Course

Free

7pm to 8pm

Monday May 29

$10

7pm Community Youth Centre

Emma Mattey

$10

For bookings please contact STARCLUB Field Officer—Bec Cooke on 0428 723 870/Rebecca.cooke@roxbylink.com.au

COUNCIL OFFICE Opening hours 9am to 5pm weekdays Telephone 8671 0010 • Fax 8671 0452 Email: roxby@roxbycouncil.com.au After hours emergency Mobile 0418 892 870 Web www.roxbycouncil.com THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

LIBRARY Opening hours Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 6.30pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm Toddler Story time – Tuesday and Wednesday (repeat) 9.30am start Telephone 8671 0500 Email: library@roxbycouncil.com.au Library membership is free. A wide range of resources are available including books, DVDs, magazines and internet facilities.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

SERVICE SA

Opal Road Landfill now CLOSED to the public.

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm Council provides transport services including: • Vehicle registration • Boat registrations • Licensing transactions • Learner written theory tests (test to begin before 3.30pm) All inquiries 131 084.

Waste unsuitable for the red, green or yellow domestic collection can now be deposited at BSH Waste Solutions’ Resource Recovery Centre, 10 Gosse Street, Roxby Downs (in the light industrial area).

Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday 8am – 12 noon Sunday 1pm – 5pm All inquiries 8671 1154

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 -- Page 11

The

Monitor CHURCH NOTICES NEW Life Church Roxby Downs is a family friendly Multicultural Pentecostal church with a heart for the community. Our Sunday Worship Service is at 3pm meeting at the Christian Community Church Hall located on the corner of Burgoyne St. & Stuart Rd. We would love to have you join us, you are very welcome! New Life is a member of the Australian Christian Churches Association and have sister churches of the same name in Port Augusta and in Port Pirie.

For more details don’t hesitate to call Ps Dave Bunyon on mobile No. 0403 058 050 or Theresa Bunyon on 0413 609 102 and leave a message.

Email: roxbydowns@newlifeccc.org.au ST Barbara’s Catholic Parish. Masses at Roxby Downs are held at the Lutheran Church on Pioneer Dr, Saturdays from 6pm. Sunday masses (by telephone arrangement with the Parish Priest) at the Priest’s Chapel, 45C Gregory St. Woomera: Sunday masses are by telephone arrangement with the Parish Priest. Contact Fr John Folkman on (08) 8671 0925.

FOR SALE SHED - Brand new three sided farm shed kit 18mx12mx5m (3x6m bays) Zinc $14,990 08 85 312 160

PUBLIC NOTICES DUBLIN-GERRY’S Meats. * Whole Hoggets (straight cut free) $7.99/kg * Great value mix and match meat packs. Ph: 8529 2229.

Classifieds P: 8671 2683 E: sales@themonitor.com.au PUBLIC NOTICES

ACCESS

PUBLIC NOTICES

C

HIROPRACTIC

Consults at 97 PIONEER DRIVE, ROXBY DOWNS Tuesday 28th February PM Wednesday 1st March AM Tuesday 14th March PM Wednesday 15th March AM

Times to accommodate shift workers Instant health fund rebates - Manual adjusting & Activator techniques

PHONE 8645 0880

Nominations sought – NRM Group Members

SITUATIONS VACANT

Cowell Electric is a multidisclipline construction contractor based at Olympic Dam, specialising in civil and electrical construction, providing construction and maintenance services to mining areas in remote and regional South Australia.

The SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board is seeking people with an interest in natural resource management and understanding of their local area to become NRM Group members.

We also provide a wide range of construction trade services to the oil, gas and defence industires.

There are six NRM groups in the region, with current va cancies in the Gawler Ranges, Marla-Oodnadatta, North Flinders and North East Pastoral groups.

Due to our continued growth we are currently looking to employ persons to fill the following roles:

Expressions of interest are also being sought for potential future vacancies on the Marree-Innamincka and Kingoonya NRM groups.

ELECTRICAL ESTIMATOR

Information, maps of NRM Group areas and nomination forms are available by contacting the Natural Resources Centre on 8648 5300 or by visiting www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands or by contacting the Board’s office on 8648 5300.

We are seeking the services of an experienced Electrical Estimator, idealy with experience in all facets of estimation and tender response. The ideal candidate will have experience with the entire process from initial request evaluation, material take-offs, subcontractor sub scope development, request for pricing from suppliers, estimation of total project cost, development of tender response documents, submission and post tender activites.

Olympic Dam, SA

Nominations close on 10 April 2017

The role is based at Olympic Dam and preference will be given to candidates willing to relocate.

PN1557

AGM

Tuesday 14th March 2017 Roxby Downs Community Club Upstairs Meeting Room All Welcome 7.30pm 0

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To place a classified ad contact The Monitor on 8671 2683 SITUATIONS VACANT

LAKE HART

We are seeking to employ highly reliable and experienced concretors with a proven track record and employment history. The ideal candidate will be a good all-rounder, be able to work well in a team environment, have a can-do attitude and strong work ethic, along with a proven and demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and demonstrate the following skills:

Coordinator Strengthening Families & Welcome Programs

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© JEPPESEN SANDERSON, INC., 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

AERIAL SURVEY Sander Geophysics Australia Pty Ltd will be undertaking an airborne geophysical survey in the areas shown, from February 18 (see attached figure). The aircraft will be flying east-west survey lines 60m above ground level. The survey is being conducted on behalf of Geoscience Australia (GA) in collaboration with the Geological Survey of South Australia (GSSA). It includes a test area and components of the South Australian Government’s $20 million PACE Copper initiative.

For more information visit: http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/ geoscience/pace_copper

We are also seeking excpressions of interest for: • Communications Technicians • Refrigeration Mechanics • Instrumentation Technicians • Electrical Supervisors and Leading Hands

Olympic Dam, SA

WOOMERA

TANK HILL

We are seeking the services of additional Electricians. The ideal candidates will be good all-rounders and be able to work well in a team environment, have a can-do attitude and strong work ethic, along with a proven and demonstrated commitment to workplace safety.

CONCRETORS

YPWR YPWR

3B

Olympic Dam, SA

This will be a residential position based at Olympic Dam or DIDO may be negotiated for the right candidate and is a great opportunity to enter the mining industry.

WOOMERA

WOOMERA

ELECTRICIANS

Applicants must hold a current drivers licence.

I can utilise my business and management skills in order to contribute to great outcomes in the health system. I can be part of a supportive culture where I can access the very best training and professional development. I enjoy a diverse and varied career path within one organisation, knowing I am making a real and valued contribution.

S 31° 00.0' 31° 00.0' SSS S31° 31° 31°00.0' 00.0' 00.0' WOOMERA

Happy40thBirthday Cam! Wishingyouallthebest on this special day!

Love Ali, Walt and Ramsey xxx

Roxby Downs Health Services Job Ref: 616570

• Ability to read and interpret plans • Experience in both formwork and steel fixing • Exceptional screeding and concrete finishing skills

www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/careers 1300 882 992

We are also seeking epxression of interest for: • Concrete Finishers • Steel Fixers • Formworkers • Concrete Labourers Applicants must hold a current drivers licence.

...be part of a supportive culture that cares about my growth

This will be a residential position based at Olympic Dam or DIDO maybe negotiated for the right candidate and is a great opportunity to enter the mining industry.

OR http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/gcas

Cowell Electric strive to be an employer of choice and offer an attractive remuneration and allowances. Successful applicants will be subjected to a full pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol screening.

For further information please contact Colin Terry at Sander Geophysics Australia Pty Ltd by telephone: 04 9969 1063 or email: sglaustralia@sgl.com

Please email resumes to jbrind@cowellelectric.com.au Blaze 110682

Page 12 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Monitor NEWS The

Sports courses coming to Roxby

L

ocal sports trainers – or anyone with an interest in sport, have children or family members playing, or their own sports health issues to manage – will have the chance to improve their skills at a number of upcoming courses.

With the support of the Star Club Program and the Office for Recreation and Sport, Sports Medicine Australia trainers will visit Roxby Downs on the weekend of March 17 and 18 to hold two courses; Con-

cussion Management and Level One Sports Trainer.

The Concussion Management course, aimed at giving participants the latest industry information, research and management techniques in regards to concussion and head injuries, will be held at the Community Youth Centre from 7-8pm on Friday, March 17.

The Level One Sports Trainer course will then be held on Saturday, March 18 from 8.30am to 4pm (also at the Community Youth Centre) and is designed to “introduce

participants to the basic knowledge and skills required by a sports trainer”.

Skills covered will include the management of specific sporting injuries, sports taping and transporting an injured athlete.

“This course educates prospective sports trainers, teachers, coaches, administrators and parents on the basic principles of sports medicine,” Sports Medicine Australia said.

“Sport trainers play a vital role in the prevention of injury. This course provides participants with the nec-

essary skills to assist in improving athletic performance, making sport safer for all.”

To enrol in either the Concussion Management ($15) or Level One Sports Trainer ($80) courses, call Rebecca Cooke, Star Club Field Officer on 0428 723 870.

Meanwhile, a course focussed solely on sports taping and strapping will be held at the Roxby Downs Golf Course on Wednesday, April 5 from 9am – 5pm.

Run by Strapit Australia, the course will cover all methods of

taping including sports, kinesiology and active taping and will be taught by leading sports physiotherapist Paul Hass.

“Focussing on both regular and advanced/complex taping techniques, you will complete this course with a greater understanding and level of skill in sports and kinesiology taping,” Strapit Australia said.

To register, go to the Strapit Australia website and follow the links to ‘courses’, or call 1300 529 965.

Around the grounds Abigail, spotted

by Scott Phillips, in action at a recent Cabarfeidh School of Dance class.

Jenny Barnes assists Sienna at a Cabarfeidh dance class.

Layla Jackson in action in junior basketball on Saturday.

Madison Qualmann (right) attempts to stop Molly Sobey (with ball).

Kobe Neilson (left) and Harley Wellgreen fight for the ball, watched by Cameron Qualmann.

Layla Maine (left) and Ava Carstairs eye off the ball.

Lucy Moten (left) and Madison Qualmann.

Lila Giles looks for a pass while Tayla Arbon defends.

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Todd Millar (left) is chased by Will Grocke at junior basketball on Friday.

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 -- Page 13

Monitor SPORT The

Jack fires in first race R oxby Downs Motocross Club junior Jack Secker did himself proud last weekend, returning from his first race outside of Roxby Downs with a second placing.

Supported by his entire family, the 11-year-old travelled to Port Lincoln for his first official race as part of the EP series, riding in the 85/SM class.

According to Roxby Downs Motocross Club (RDMXC) President Clint Gow-Smith, it was a fitting result for the young rider.

“Jack has improved out of sight in the last 12 months,” Gow-Smith said.

“He’s a very determined lad

and his dad Will has Jack riding at every opportunity.

“He was understandably nervous pre-race but rode really smooth and consistent considering he has never ridden on a track outside of Roxby Downs, and placed second overall for the day which is a great result.”

According to his mother Kendal, it was an exciting day of racing.

“He rode well, he was nervous but he warmed up and got more comfortable as he went on,” she said.

“There were three rounds, in the third round he nearly caught up to the rider who beat him, he was just on his tail.

“It was very exciting, for his

Damien Flavel qualifiying for Finke in 2012.

first attempt especially, and we are very proud of him.”

Strong support has been part of the successful formula for the Seckers, with the whole family travelling to Port Lincoln to cheer Jack on.

“His dad (Will) does a lot and takes him out every night, and some mornings,” Mrs Secker said.

“He is getting a lot of practice in, and he and (fellow RDMXC rider) Taj Gow-Smith are also getting together to do some fitness too.

“Taj has been very supportive of him.”

Secker will now focus on upcoming competitions at Port Pirie and Whyalla.

Countdown to Finke begins for local riders

T

he countdown to the annual Finke Desert Race has begun for a number of local motorbike enthusiasts.

Billed as “Australia’s Greatest Desert Race”, Finke is a multi-terrain, two-day race for bikes, cars, buggies and quads through the desert from Alice Springs to the Aputula (Finke) community in the Northern Territory.

Held each year on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June, the event has a reputation of being one of the most difficult off-road courses in one of the most remote places in the world.

Former Roxby Downs resident Damien Flavel, now living in Adelaide and commuting to Olympic Dam for work, is currently in training to compete in his second Finke race.

“I first competed in the Finke desert race back in 2012 after spectating for a couple of years and watching a few workmates making it there and back,” Flavel said.

“When I first competed I was 35 years old putting me into class six – Masters 35-39 years.

“After successfully completing the event I knew it was something I wanted to do again, but (with) the effort it takes and the costs involved I then decided I would like to do it every five years for as

ABOVE: Enjoying the Port Lincoln EP series event last weekend were Roxby Downs Motocross Club members Jack Secker, Ben Dixon and Taj Gow-Smith.

RIGHT: Jack Secker returned from his first ever ride outside of Roxby Downs with a second placing.

long as I could.

“So this year I will be competing in class seven – seniors 40 to 44 years.”

The Finke race includes a prologue event, with riders completing an 8.3km track against the clock to determine their starting position for the race, and then two days of racing on a 230km track.

It’s known as a gruelling race which takes significant training and preparation, something Flavel has already begun.

“I will be training three to four times per week off the bike until it cools down, then as much riding as I can fit in leading up to the event. It’s definitely bike time that is the most important as the event gets closer,” he said.

A number of current Roxby Downs Motocross Club members are also in training for Finke, and Flavel said he had fond memories of his time riding locally.

“I only really got into riding when we purchased a motorbike for our son, living in Roxby Downs there is a strong riding culture,” he said.

“The Roxby Downs Motocross club is a great family environment and I enjoyed my time being involved in the club. It’s definitely something I miss now commuting from Adelaide for the past two years.”

NEXT WEEK: How the other local riders are preparing for Finke.

Shared sports award a fitting tribute for Evans, Qualmann

R

egina Qualmann’s Australia Day nod re co g n i s e d h e r dedication to both the Hornridge Netball Club and Roxby Downs Netball Association (RDNA), as well as years supporting the Roxby Downs Basketball Association.

Qualmann first began playing netball as a way to meet new people after moving to Roxby nearly 14 years ago. She joined Hornridge (after an initial season with Olympic Dam) and played at senior level while also getting involved with the RDNA both as a club representative and on the association committee.

When her daughter Madison, now 12, started playing netball Qualmann then also became involved in the junior side of both the RDNA and at club level.

Over her netball career Qualmann has held positions on the RDNA including Vice President, Junior

Coach Coordinator, Uniform Coordinator, Club representative and a general committee member, and has also coached junior, senior and squad netball.

Basketball has also been a strong focus for the entire family, and just like with netball Qualmann has been involved in a variety of roles including coach. She also supported the Hot Shots junior tennis competition for a number of years.

“I love the coaching side of it, I love helping people and seeing results at the end,” she said.

“Sometimes you see someone and you think to yourself ‘wow, remember that child at the start of the season, they couldn’t even bounce a ball or hit the ring, and now look at them!’

“Sport is also such a good way for kids to meet other kids, sometimes we might start a team where none of the kids know each other but they form a bond – sport is a good link.”

Page 14 -- Wednesday, February 22, 2017

While son Cameron (aged ten) has been playing basketball and football for a number of years, this year will be Samuel (six)’s first season, and Qualmann is looking forward to supporting him as he starts his first season of football this winter.

“He is so excited, he’s not as competitive as the other two but he loves the social side of it,” she said.

The social aspect has been an important part of Qualmann’s local sporting involvement.

“I’m not a successful sportsperson I would say, I’m not a particularly competitive person but I just love the community of it,” she said.

“Up here we don’t have family and close friends so it makes your own little family, especially as there are so many people who don’t know anyone when they come to town, so they get involved in sport.”

H

aving lived in Roxby “going on 18 years”, current Roxby Downs Junior Basketball A s s o c i at i o n ( R D J B A ) President Linda Evans’ Australia D ay Aw ard recognised her many years’ commitment to the sport.

Mother to Madison (21), Bailey (20) and Riley (14) Evans first became heavily involved in all aspects of local sport when her children did.

“I did play volleyball and tennis when I first came to Roxby,” she said.

“Probably 16 years ago I got involved in basketball, as soon as my kids were old enough.

“I also helped form the tennis club, a few of us got together and decided we’d start a tennis club about 15 years ago.”

While basketball is Evans’ main area of focus now, tennis was a big part for many years.

“We got together and fundraised for the new courts and got up to about 150 members, it was a really big competi-

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tion,” she said.

“I was also running a junior competition with something like 28 kids playing at one stage.”

When her children’s interest turned to basketball, so did Evans’ attention.

“I started with basketball when Madison started mini’s (under six). Basketball is huge here, we’re pushing 350 kids at the moment,” she said.

As well as being involved with the RDJBA in official roles such as her current presidency, Evans has also coached, organised and coordinated teams for country basketball carnivals including country championships, and referees countless matches every season.

“Recently on one weekend I did 20 kilometres umpiring, that’s about six or seven games!” she said.

Admitting it was a big commitment and she didn’t have a lot of spare time outside of her work and sporting life, she said it was definitely worth it.

“You might get a kid that starts here and they can’t play sport or anything, I really like to watch the progression of them all,” she said.

“I think the boys are the ones that you notice it the most with, they just astound me and they are so competitive against themselves.”

Netball has been another sport Evans has been involved in, mainly through Hornridge Netball Club as a coach of both senior and junior sides, as well as coaching squad and school teams, and umpiring.

Like her counterpart Regina Qualmann, Evans said seeing children improve was a major reward for her hours spent supporting sport in Roxby Downs, along with knowing there were opportunities for her own children to pursue their sporting interests. “(It is busy) but at least our kids are busy and not wandering the streets,” she said.

“You can only hope that your kids are proud of you.”

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Batting collapses cost Wedgies

T

he Roxby Districts Cricket Association (RDCA) side finished mid-table at the Countr y Carnival Cricket Association tournament in Adelaide last week.

Going in as one of the carnival favourites, having gone undefeated in the past two years, the Roxby side, known as the Wedgies, was rocked by a major batting collapse on day one and did not recover.

Similar batting collapses followed on days two and three, before the side found its groove on the final

two days against Alexandra and Stansbury to register a 3-2 win/loss count.

Captain Seb Holbrook said it had been a tough week for his side but was proud of the players’ efforts on days four and five.

“From a captain’s point of view we could have well and truly dropped our bundle after the first few days,” Holbrook said.

“But we fought back really well and we only lost by 40 runs, chasing 250 on day two and 20 on day three so we managed to keep it together.”

Holbrook said another positive to

come from the carnival was the performance of a number of first time players in the tournament, those including Miners skipper Michael Nelson and East Roxby captain Troy Mulders.

He said he was hoping this was a sign of things to come in the next few years, with the aim to have a team full of RDCA local players representing the association at the country carnival.

“It would be good to see a lot more full time people from Roxby taking part,” Holbrook said.

“Hopefully one day we will go

down there with 14 blokes from Roxby and give it a red hot crack.”

Holbrook was Roxby Downs’ leading run scorer in the carnival, thanks to a knock of 118 not out on day five, equal with Chris Patterson.

Patterson, Sam Carlyle and Rhys Allard also scored fifties during the carnival.

Opening bowler Patrick Glover was Roxby’s leading wicket taker for the carnival with 14, highlighted by a five wicket haul on day one against Quorn.

Glover’s performance earned him a spot in the Team of the Carnival

Roxby’s Sam Carlyle plays an on-drive on his way to a game high 64 on Thursday.

Chris Patterson was equal highest scorer for the Roxby Downs side at the Country Carnival last week.

side, the only player to make it from the Roxby Downs side this year.

Jason Carroll also performed well with the ball, claiming six wickets on day two including a hat-trick.

Holbrook thanked team manager James Beenham for his efforts throughout the carnival as well as Kylie Holbrook for her help around the side.

Beenham said while this year “wasn’t the best” the side would front up again next year in the hope of making amends.

He also thanked the sponsors and the RDCA for their support.

ABOVE: The Roxby Districts Cricket Association side that took part in the Country Carnival Cricket Association tournament last week.

(From back left): Chris Patterson, Reece Patterson, Glenn Mulders, Rhys Allard, Patrick Glover, Lucas Holbrook, Seb Holbrook (c), Sean Connor, James Beenham (team manager); (front): Troy Mulders, Michael Nelson, Sam Carlyle, Paul Polujnikoff and Jason Carroll.

Other locals to take part in the 2017 carnival included Ben Vandeleur and Ryan Selkirk.

PHOTOS: Patrick Glover

Country Carnival Cricket Results February 13-17, 2017 Day 1 Quorn 77 (P. Glover 5/15) & 5/150 def Roxby Downs 53 Day 2 Tatiara 247 (J. Carroll 6/73, P. Glover 3/19) & 1/101 def Roxby Downs 188 (R. Selkirk 44, C. Patterson 56, J. Carroll 40) Day 3 Pinnaroo & Border 214 (S. Carlyle 2/26, L. Holbrook 2/38, M. Nelson 2/31, S. Connor 2/5) def Roxby Downs 191 (R. Allard 55, M. Nelson 35, C. Paterson 46no) Day 4 Roxby Downs 198 (S Carlyle 64 J Carroll 36) def Alexandra 139 (P Glover 4/30 T Mulders 3/47) Day 5 Roxby Downs 5/294 (S Holbrook 118no S Carlyle 42 C Paterson 45 J Carroll 39 C Pannach 31no) def Stansbury 132 (L Holbrook 4/26)

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For the love of it F

or Linda Evans and Regina Qualmann, sharing the recent Australia Day Senior Sports Person of the Year Award was a bonus.

After working tirelessly across many of the same sports for a number of years, both agreed it was fitting to share the award.

“I’m really stoked that I’m sharing the award with Reg, if I had to share it with anyone I’m glad it was her,” Evans said.

Both Evans and Qualmann were out of town when the award was presented as part of Roxby Downs’ Australia Day Awards ceremony at the Roxbylink pool complex on 26 January.

Reflecting on their awards, they said they were honoured but admitted they were a little surprised at the recognition.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all, it was a big surprise,” Qualmann said.

“I don’t think we all do it for the accolades, we do it for the love of it and it’s got to be done at the end of the day.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Evans, who said she was a little relieved she didn’t have to collect her award in person on the day.

“I was a bit shocked (to win), it was the first Australia Day I’ve missed for about ten years, I always go and I love watching who gets the awards, but it’s a bit different when it’s you – I was a bit relieved I wasn’t there,” she said.

With sport relying so heavily on volunteers to stay afloat, Evans and Qualmann both agreed there was a need for more people to help out.

“It is a lot of work, but the more people who get involved, the less work it is – and it’s not hard work, it’s just consistent and there are lots of little jobs that need to be done,” Qualmann said.

“You don’t have to be on a committee to help, even for a parent to offer to take the uniforms and wash them every week is one less thing for a coach to worry about, or to organise the scorers every week,” Evans added.

Both paid tribute to their husbands Rodney (Evans) and Tyson (Qualmann), whose unwavering support had enabled them to be so involved in their sporting endeavours.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Evans said.

FULL STORIES: PAGE 14

Regina Qualmann (left) and Linda Evans shared Roxby Downs’ 2017 Australia Day Senior Sports Person of the Year Award.

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