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The Roxby Downs Commercial Business District is about to get a major boost through exciting development plans announced by the owners of the Roxby Downs Motor Inn and Shopping Centre.

A planned four stage development will cost the owners about $5 million over the next few years.

Stage 1, which is expected to go before the Roxby Downs Council within the next 2 months, will be a $3.8 million upgrade and extension to the Roxby Downs Motor Inn. It’ll include 30 new motel style accommodation units, providing future options for visitors to the town.

Property Manager with Savills, which manage, the Motor Inn, Tavern and Shopping centre, Mr. Richard Stabile said it is an exciting time for the town.

“The owners see the current central business district as the hub of Roxby Downs.

“We’re consolidating that. It is better to have all those facilities centrally located rather than fragmented or decentralised,” he said. “”We’ve been looking at this proposal for the past 18 months and have done our research on where Roxby is going and its future needs.

“This exciting concept, starting with an additional 1,000 square metres of accommodation space, is just the start.

“We are also looking at expansion of the shopping centre area to cater for the future growth of the town,” he said.

Stage 1 not only comprises the 30 new motel units but there’ll be a centre developed for professional services.

Mr. Stabile said they are in negotiations with banks and financial institutions to locate their premises to the new professional centre.

“We’re also talking with a Doctor about opening up a completely new practice in Roxby Downs that will include such things as GP services, dental and physiotherapy.

“We’re trying to fill gaps where we see them and provide services to the town that are missing,” he said.

Continued on page 4

Above: Woomera celebrates it’s 60th birthday in style. See page 10 for more photos.

Regional airline safety gets a boost A range of initiatives to improve regional threat and error management and crew resource “In 2007 we are doing a better job at surveil“This higher than normal speed gave the pilots airline safety are being implemented by the management. lance and safety oversight of regional airlines less time to configure the aircraft, follow required “A new Safety Management Toolkit for small than we did in 2005. In the years ahead we will approach procedures and maintain an awareness Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

CASA’s chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says the initiatives to improve safety in regional airlines will focus on extra education and training for pilots and airline operators.

“The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will create new training packages that will top-up the current training all regional airline pilots receive,” Mr Byron said.

“The training will cover situational awareness,

airlines will focus on safety risks such as financial pressures, rapid growth and changes to organisational structures.

“This toolkit will lift the safety performance of small, regional airlines by providing better support in key management and operational areas.”

Mr Byron says CASA has more than doubled the surveillance and oversight of regional airlines over the last two years.

get even better.

Mr Byron says the improvements had already begun when the tragic Lockhart River accident occurred in May 2005.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released a report into the accident.

“The report says the Metroliner’s descent and approach speeds were well above standard procedures, at an average of 249 knots between 10,000 feet and 5000 feet,” Mr Byron said.

of their true position.

“Mistakes may have been made due to confusion about where the aircraft was on the approach path, confusion about their true altitude or attempts to get through the cloud cover.

“I can promise everyone – families and friends of victims, the regional communities of Far North Queensland and all Australians who fly – that continuing improvements to air safety are being made.”

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Monitor GENERAL NEWS

Above: Mail run tour from Coober Pedy. Photo courtesy of SATC.

Our Outback is the great unknown

Huge fish school at Innamincka In the remote outback town of Innamincka, renowned for its harsh environment which claimed the lives of the Burke and Wills expedition, massive numbers of fish are schooling near the town’s causeway.

The photograph shows the large school of fingerlings (juvenile fish) massing together trying to slither across the causeway which marks the end of the Strezlecki Track.

The photograph was taken by Julie Matthews who runs the Cooper Creek homestead.

“I’ve been here for seven years and I’ve never seen schools of fish this big in the Cooper,” she said.

The fish are locally known as Bony Bream, Barcoo Grunter and Freshwater Catfish, and the fingerlings are their offspring trying to make it up the creek.

“They are small, you wouldn’t get a feed out of them, but they’re providing a great food source for the bird life,” Ms. Matthews said.

“The bird life is starting to return.

We have cormorants, and kites which come in for the easy pickings, but there are not many pelicans yet, they normally work to a calendar so we will not see them until about May. “This unique event apparently always happens when the Cooper Creek starts to rise, being swollen from floodwaters up in Queensland.

“But the floodwaters that have been coming down the system seem to have dissipated into the channel country,” she said.

It is a stark contrast to the dry, dusty conditions that normally

prevail in the region and has given a much needed boost to the country.

“The creek has been pretty dry over the past couple of years, and only months ago was a series of isolated pools, but now it’s running again.

“We expect the Cooper Creek to be running now for the rest of the year,” Ms. Matthews said.

“There was one chap last week who spent six hours fishing and he caught eight, and kept four Barcoo Grunter that were legal size, but you have to work for a catch, to get the bigger ones.”

All roads and accommodation centres at Innamincka are operating normally and the town expects an increase in tourism through the coming cooler months.

19 South Australian experiences have made the list of 100 Great Things To Do In Australia You’ve Never Heard Of, published in the latest issue of Australian Traveller magazine.

The outback region of our state had five in the top 100 Australian places.

Coming in at number16 were the Painted Hills, 28th spot was filled by the Outback Mail Run from Coober Pedy.

In 39th spot were the Aboriginal Art Tours of the Pitjantjatjara Lands, 45th went to Dalhousie mound springs near Oodnadatta and at 56th the Dingo Fence at Cameron’s Corner rounded out our performance.

Three SA experiences made the top 10, more than any other state.

Swimming with the wild sea lions in Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula, took out the No. 3 spot being described as “A truly awesome experience for anyone wanting more than just a giggle from a well trained dolphin, or the practice of simply spotting fins from the deck of an observer launch.”

The Naracoorte caves and their prehistoric mega fauna was No. 7 on the list.

The caves were the first of four entries from the Limestone Coast - the most on the list from any single tourism region in Australia.

Highlighting SA’s fantastic and unique water adventures, the relatively new tour of swimming with tuna was ranked number 9 of great experiences you have not heard of.

Other entries to make the list included the Piccaninnie Ponds dive, Pichi Richi pass, cuttlefish spawning near Whyalla and the Yorke Peninsula town of Black Point famous for its scallops.

“Australians live on a huge continent and take for granted how much diversity and fascinating things we have,” says editor Greg Barton.

“We are challenging people who think they have seen all there is to Australia or who think that international destinations are more interesting.

“How can swimming with sea lions or tuna, seeing the remains of prehistoric Australian lions or the world’s longest fence not be just interesting but fascinating?” challenges Barton.

Build the house of your dreams

Above: Local police officers, Stacey Connor and Rebecca Schutz displaying their medals.

Khaki girls medal haul

R

oxby Downs police officers Rebecca Schutz and Stacey Connor converged on Adelaide for the Games.

Their philosophy is inscribed on the back have a huge weight around their of each medal awarded, and the inscription necks………in the form of Gold, Silver and reads…

Bronze medals. ”To promote physical fitness among the

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Both competed recently in the World Police and Fire Games in Adelaide, and came home well rewarded for their efforts.

Stacey played in the singles and mixed doubles in tennis and won medals in both competitions.

“The singles competition was the most arduous, having to play virtually continuously to advance to the finals,” she said.

In the end, Stacey won the Silver medal after going down in the grand final against her colleague from South Africa.

The competition was played on plexi-pane better known as rebound ace surfaces in the hard-court tournament.

In the mixed doubles, with her partner Matthew Hall from the Burra Police station, Stacey picked up the Gold medal against the team from Hong Kong, winning 6-4, 6-4.

More than 8,000 members of police and fire department services around the world

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law enforcement and fire fighting community.

We are the world’s primary defenders of life and property. We are peace officers and fire fighters.”

Rebecca Schutz won a Bronze medal in the 5-aside Basketball competition playing for SAPOL. The team came in behind the Los Angeles Police Department which picked up the Silver and the Victorian Police department which took the Gold.

Playing as a stand-in for the depleted Quebec team in the 3-aside competition Rebecca won a Silver medal behind her compatriots, the SA police force which took the Gold.

“It was a fantastic games because of the new people we met and spoke with to hear what they are doing regarding policing back in their countries,” Rebecca said.

“The only way to describe it is, if you missed the opening ceremony then you missed something really special.” She concluded.

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D

Are we drowning in climate change?

roughts, floods, hotter finite resource. weather, colder weather, it “We should be very mindful of the seems climate change is the amount we draw, regardless of where it comes from. topic on everyone’s lips.

Above: Landscape architecture student, Dave Gregory.

The landscape is the canvas

A swarm of University students hit town last week, but it wasn’t for the parties, the booze or the Rock and Roll, it was for the scenery.

Fourteen Adelaide University Landscape Architecture students and their Assistant Lecturer were in Roxby Downs to study the challenges faced by those living in an arid environment.

“It’s part of a long standing program between the Uni and the Roxby Downs Council,” Adelaide University Assistant Lecturer, Warwick Keates said.

“The students are looking at arid landscapes, towns in arid landscapes and all the problems involved in living in that sort of environment.

“They analyse how the town

works today in relation to landscape, open space, streets and housing and develop new ideas and opportunities to help with any expansion,” he said.

Mr Keates said many of the students undertaking a Landscape Architecture degree come from a rural background.

“I think students who come from country and rural areas are interested in this sort of field because they have a strong connection to the land and a desire to protect it.

“Landscape Architecture is an expanding industry, especially in mining towns like Roxby Downs where there is a lot of scope for assessment and rehabilitation,” he said.

Mr Keates said he loves the outback and is fascinated by the towns dotted through it.

“The contrast of Roxby Downs with the landscape is quite wonderful, I’ve just fallen in love with the town.

“There are so many opportunities for the future, which is exciting, and the community is very strong,” he said.

Student, Dave Gregory was enjoying his second trip to the area and was interested to see how it had changed since his last visit.

“Roxby is great, the town has a good feel to it.

“It is interesting to see how it has grown since the last time I was here,” he said.

As the debate hots up in Australia’s government departments, a new report

by The Climate Institute, ‘Climate of the Nation: Australians Attitudes to Climate Change and It’s Solutions’, detailed some surprising results.

Of the 1000 people polled, 80 per cent wanted a plan from the government to cut green house pollution by 2020 and 2050.

More than 85 per cent would like a quarter of the nation’s electricity to come from clean energy like wind and solar and 84 per cent said they would support legislation for more efficient homes and cars.

The report also found Australians are particularly concerned about water resources and are worried about their children’s future.

Roxby Downs Environment Forum member, John Read said he agreed with the report.

“We should definitely be increasing the amount of energy we are using that comes from clean, renewable sources,” Mr Read said.

“And we need to realise water is a

“Our water is currently sourced from the Great Artesian Basin and potentially will also be sourced from a coastal desalination plant.

“Accessing both of these water sources uses power and we must remember that the water is already providing a valuable environmental role where it is, so we should limit our use, both to save water and energy requirements,” he said.

The Climate Institute’s Chief Executive, John Connor said climate change is a potential vote changer and there is room for either major party to seize leadership on the issue.

“Climate change impacts are hitting home, intensifying expectations of our leaders for a plan to cut greenhouse pollution and switch to clean energy.

“The community is consistent and clear about the solutions they expect to see from government.

“Australians understand that there is no single energy solution and that we need decisive political leadership to cut greenhouse pollution, switch to a clean energy future and help stop the worst impacts of climate change,” he said.

Tomorrow could be a black day Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th.

American behavioural scientist, Dr Donald Dossey claims that once you can pronounce its name, your phobia is cured.

Many of us avoid black cats on ‘black Friday’ and some people are unwilling to even leave their house, but are we more likely to suffer from misfortune on Friday the 13th, or is it all an old wives tale?

Many Christians consider both Fridays and the number 13 unlucky.

Thirteen was an unholy number which signified a gathering of 12 witches and the devil.

Thirteen people sat down to The Last Supper and Jesus was crucified on a Friday.

The great flood supposedly began on a Friday and some theologians believe Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit on a Friday.

‘A child born on a Friday is doomed to misfortune’, was a common superstition in the 1800s.

Harvesting was never begun on a Friday and ships launched on that day were believed to be doomed from the start.

Urban legend tells of a ship the British navy commissioned in an attempt to quell superstitions about setting sail on a Friday.

The ship was named the HMS Friday, was manned by a crew chosen on a Friday and captained by a man named James Friday.

On a Friday morning it set off on its maiden voyage and disappeared, never to be seen again.

So, Friday and the number 13 were both considered unlucky, but it was not until the Middle Ages that the two were linked to became known as ‘black Friday’.

On Friday October 13th, 1307, the King of France ordered the arrest of the Grand master of the Knights Templar, sixty of his knights and thousands of his supporters.

The prisoners were tortured and many were executed, prompting Templar sympathisers to label Friday the 13th as an ‘evil day’.

These days we are more inclined to laugh at superstiTHE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

tions than believe in them, but many of us still avoid walking under ladders on Friday the 13th.

The Department of Public Health in West Sussex conducted a study examining the relation between health, behaviour and superstition on Friday 13th and came up with some interesting results.

They compared hospital admissions due to car accidents on Friday the 13th to other Fridays and found the numbers had increased by over 50 per cent on ‘black Friday’.

So what did the Department advise people to do to minimise their risk?

“Staying at home is recommended”.

Petrol & Gas prices Each week, The Monitor will run a comparison of petrol and gas prices between Mobil and BP service stations in Adelaide and Roxby Downs, taken on the same day, so we can see the disparity.

ROXBY DOWNS Mobil BP

PETROL

GAS

141.6 139.9

89.5 87.9

116.9 123.9

48.5 48.9

ADELAIDE Mobil BP

Fuel

Watch FUEL

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Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 3

The

Monitor GENERAL NEWS

CBD Plans Continued from page 1

The motel units will be state of the art, some single, some twin rooms and the whole development will be built on vacant land situated behind the current Motor Inn and the Mitre 10 Hardware store.

“These units will be plush, they’ll have comfort and facilities that you’d expect in top city Motels,” Mr. Stabile said.

“As an example they’ll feature expansive bathrooms with a big modern spa, kitchenettes for meals preparation.

“There’ll be walkways linking the complex and the building design is cutting edge so it will merge with the local environment,” he said.

“If ever ything goes to schedule we expect work on

Stage 1 to be completed early next year.

“The building work will also provide, no doubt, opportunities for local businesses and trades as some materials will be sourced locally,” he said.

“We went through the last expansion, we’re here for the long term, we want to provide the facilities and services that Roxby needs as it grows through this next expansion.

“We feel the development is a better utilisation of the land we have available and it’s a ringing endorsement of the confidence we have in developing the CBD as the central location for all retail and commercial activity,” Mr. Stabile said.

Advertisement

Electoral enrolment now requires proof of identity Above: BHPB tour bus entering site.

New federal electoral enrolment procedures are being introduced.

From 16 April 2007, to enrol to vote you’ll need to provide proof of your identity if you are: • enrolling for the first time • re-enrolling to get back on the electoral roll • re-enrolling to update your address details because you have moved, or to update your name details if they have changed.

HOW DO I ENROL TO VOTE FROM 16 APRIL 2007?

From 16 April 2007, there are three ways to demonstrate your proof of identity when completing the new purple enrolment form.

Either 1. Provide your Australian driver’s licence number.

Or If you don’t have a driver’s licence you can: 2. Show one identification document – like your passport, birth certificate, Medicare card or Centrelink concession card – to an authorised person who is on the electoral roll, who will then sign a declaration on your enrolment form.

USE THE NEW PURPLE ENROLMENT FORM, NOT THE OUT-OF-DATE GREEN ONE From 16 April 2007 a new purple enrolment form will be available at all Australia Post outlets and AEC Offices. It will include more details about the new proof of identity requirements. You’ll also be able to download the latest form from the AEC website.

Green enrolment forms, or forms downloaded from the website before 16 April 2007, will not be accepted by the AEC from this date.

YOU MUST COMPLETE AN ENROLMENT FORM EVERY TIME YOU MOVE If you’ve moved and not updated your enrolment you may be taken off the electoral roll by the AEC if we verify your enrolment is out of date.

If you need to update your enrolment, do it now by completing a new form. It’s your responsibility to keep your enrolment up to date. Don’t risk missing out on being able to vote.

Check your enrolment status and get more information and forms at www.aec.gov.au, visit an AEC Office* or call 13 23 26. Enrolment forms are also at Australia Post outlets. *AEC office locations are listed in the white pages of the telephone book.

A complete list of authorised persons and identification documents is on the new enrolment form and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website.

Or If you don’t have a driver’s licence or an acceptable identity document you can: 3. Ask two people who are already on the electoral roll, and who have known you for at least a month, to confirm your identity by signing your enrolment form.

AECEBE 1/6 280x185/R

Authorised by Paul Dacey, Australian Electoral Commission, West Block Offices, Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes, ACT. Page 4 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

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Sought after mine tours

With the media hype surrounding the proposed expansion of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine has come an increased demand for the company’s mine tours.

Demand normally varies depending on the time of year - summer is traditionally quiet but as soon as the weather starts to cool down the numbers start to increase again.

But this season it has started a little sooner because of the speculation about the expansion.

Generally there are quite a broad range of people on the tours, including potential new employees and their families, tourists (often with caravans), or visiting family and friends of Roxby Downs residents.

Often these people do identify themselves as shareholders.

The company also does a number of tours for tourist coaches, educational groups, local schools and ones from further afield and corporate visitors such as customers and BHP Billiton personnel.

BHP Billiton’s Vice President Human Resources, Paul Walters, said from a company perspective, BHP Billiton Olympic Dam sees the tour as a valuable public education tool.

“We can tell visitors about BHP Billiton, Olympic Dam’s history, what we do at our site, and also show them how we operate by driving around the plant and following the process step by step.

“The tours are run on a gold-coin donation basis to the RFDS and we average around $5,000 per year,” Mr. Walters said.

“Generally we find visitors are impressed by the sheer size and scope of the operation - they often didn’t expect the site to be so big or so spread out.

“They are also often thrilled if they are lucky enough to see copper anodes being poured in the Smelter during a casting,” he concluded.

However with the proposed mine expansion, the company doesn’t see a need to increase the frequency and number of tours at Olympic Dam at this stage.

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Above: Alistair’s first day at Kindy!

Long distance Not such a Tidy Town education Above: Kesab’s Ross Swayne and Roxby Downs Council’s Peter Kellar with the newly installed bins.

Kesab’s Tidy Towns Director, Ross Swayne visited Roxby Downs on Monday and was less than thrilled with what he saw.

“Obviously the place is growing at a huge rate,” Mr Swayne said.

“And there is a large contrast in many areas.

“You drive down Pioneer Drive and see lovely trees and landscaping, which shows what can be done, but the contrast is evident where there was adequate landscaping and where things have not been finished.

“Some of the old WMC expansion areas are very higgledy piggledy, the street scaping is unfinished and that which was put in has suffered from time and lack of care.

“The Information Bay is a dead loss, it serves no purpose, either fill it with useful information or get rid of it,” he said.

Mr Swayne was particularly disappointed in the condition of the Lyons Park.

“The vandalism and graffiti at the Lyons Park was very disappointing, some of those murals have been there for years without being defaced and now they have been ruined.

“That sort of thing stops the community feeling comfortable in public areas,” he said.

But it was not all bad news, Mr Swayne was very impressed by the improvements at the Town Office and Roxby Village.

“A couple of years ago Roxby Village looked like no one lived there, dead trees, minimal mulch… this year it is much better.

“The name plate walls, expansion, new plantings and land scaping all show significant visual enhancement is being undertaken.”

Mr Swayne was also impressed with the council’s new ‘crow proof ’ bins.

“It’s a small step, but a significant one.

“The town centre is very impressive and as a whole Roxby does look better than it did last year and there are good signs for the future, but there is still a way to go.

“I look forward to coming back next year,” he said.

The Parachilna Hotel was bulging at the seams last month when the members of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) hit town for their state conference.

“It was great,” President of the Marree Air Branch of the ICPA, Lyn Litchfield said.

“Kids who have graduated from the old bush school wrote of their jobs now and the Dads timed the shearing to miss the conference by a day!”

Over 80 people from all over Australia attended to listen to guest speakers and discuss the special challenges faced by families living in remote areas of Australia.

“Organisations like the ICPA are essential for families in the bush,” Mrs Litchfield said.

“There are such a handful of people

in areas like this, the politicians and money managers wouldn’t realise the needs of these little school kids if organisations like the ICPA didn’t exist.

“It takes a lot of resources to educate these kids long distance, but it keeps the families together and in the bush, and that’s important, because a lot of families move south to meet their children’s school needs.

“Without government support long distance schooling would be almost impossible,” she said.

Mrs Litchfield would like to thank BHP Billiton, Outback Areas Connect, Santos and the Parachilna Hotel for their sponsorship and the members of the ICPA who travelled so far to attend the conference.

Is Adam high speed?

Roxby Downs could be served by a new high speed internet provider.

Adam Internet, a South Australian based provider is bidding to build a $118 million rural broadband network under the Federal Government’s Broadband Connect Infrastructure Program.

Adam plans to part fund the project in conjunction with the Government’s $600 million broadband program.

BASKETBALL Men’s and Women’s winter season May to October Nominations due 14th April.

Nomination forms and enquiries at the Roxby Downs Pharmacy or call Nick on 8671 1322.

Players wishing to join a team can leave their details. Grand nal night and presentations Saturday 14th April games 6 -10 pm at the rec. centre followed by presentations at the Club.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

School Care is a vital resource Operating out of a small cramped transportable at the rear of the Roxby Downs Area School is the little known but vital Out of School Hours Care unit.

The unit’s Director Di Stanton said the unit is sponsored by RDAS but is run as a separate entity.

The unit is open from 6.30am until 8.30am to look after children dropped off by working parents until the school opens during a normal working day.

Then it is re-opened to take children at 3pm when school breaks for the day, until 6pm to give working parents the opportunity to pick THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

their children up after work.

However when school breaks for the term this weekend, the OSHC will be opened all of the school holidays from 6.30am through until 6pm, providing a secure and safe environment for parents to leave their children whilst at work.

“This is a very busy time for us,” Ms. Stanton said.

“We operate five days a week except public holidays from this small building and it gets quite cramped when you can have upwards of 23 children at a time being cared for.

“I’d just like to remind parents that we’ll be

open for business during the school holidays, so they will not have to worry about where their children are during the day,” she said.

Not only does the centre cater for school children but it also offers limited respite care.

“We take children who have particular needs just to give the parents a break from time to time,” Ms Stanton said.

“Our service is also used by parents who just want to do a bit of shopping in peace, so they drop their children here and go and do it for a few hours.

“We just fill the gaps and have become an essential part of the town,” Ms. Stanton said.

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NEW SHOPS TUTOP STREET 3 LEFT 200sq mts each Contact Chad 0407 610 622 for enquiries thechad@bigpond.net.au Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 5

The

Monitor OPINION

Monitor l a i r o t i The

Ed

Being a sports administrator for a club or recreational group is a thankless task.

You seem to be lumbered with the paper work, itineraries, bookings, schedules, but now you’re going to be responsible for risk management and new child protection legislation.

Who is there you can turn to? Who’s there to provide advice and direction on such

complex issues?

This is the main reason the Roxby Down’s Sport and Recreation Forum is planning a major conference for October this year to help guide you and give you direction through these complex issues.

This is your chance to get on top

of your responsibilities, not only to fulfil the requirements of your state body, but also the duty of care you have towards your club, members and spectators who come to watch your activity.

By the end of this year every club in the state will have to have undergone a training module to understand the complexities of the new child protection laws.

There’ve been introduced right around Australia not only to protect children but to protect club officials when training children or organising child activities.

It also encompasses other groups as well, such as kindergartens, and child care facilities which all have

to comply with the laws such as having volunteers or paid workers undergoing police checks.

But this conference will not only provide you with the assistance you need, but offer workshops on such hefty issues as incorporation, how to effectively run a club, a meeting, or organising major events.

It is an opportunity for you to get involved, and get ahead of the game, so you’re not struggling with these weighty issues in December when you must comply.

The Sport and Recreation Forum must be applauded for its vision, and the success of the conference lies in your hands. Your future as a club depends on it.

Community comment Do you believe the climate is changing and what should we be doing about it?

Elaine Katene – “It’s definitely changing. All the seasons are running into each other. I think it has to do with what we are putting into the air, we need to be more careful.”

Luke Sanders – “Every new invention seems like it is doing a great job, then it comes out later that it has bad side effects, but by that time the damage is done. I’m worried about the effects climate change will have on the future of my son.”

Sonny Leis – “The bigger companies should be doing a lot more to combat climate change, combine that with what the government should be doing and we could see real progress.”

The Weather at a glance Minimum & Maximum Temperatures for the period 2nd April - 8th April 2007

Proudly sponsored by Phone:

8671 2683

Monitor The

Date

Minimum

Maximum

2/04/07

11.90

29.20

3/04/07

17.8

0

30.10

4/04/07

15.20

29.50

5/04/07

10.3

0

21.60

6/04/07

16.6

0

23.2

7/04/07

12.0

0

24.70

8/04/07

8.90

Your Community Newspaper ~ Roxby Downs

Page 6 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

0

26.70

Total Rainfall for this period 0.0 mm

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Above: Cath Lousberg and Vicki Mason receiving their parchments at the recent graduation ceremony. Below: Grant Houlson receiving his parchment in Frontline Management.

TAFE Graduates get their parchments The Roxby Downs campus of TAFE has held its first graduation ceremony in more than three years with 68 students graduating in a variety of fields.

Tafe’s SA Regional community education manager, Bob Harvey, said the reason graduation ceremonies had dropped out of favour during the past few years was a national trend.

“Receiving a parchment didn’t seem to be a relevant event in the eyes of the recipients, but what it does do is to recognise their achievements,” he said.

Guest for the evening, BHP Billiton’s Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering, Giles Hellyer said the graduation is a chance to recognise a student’s achievements, as TAFE offers the community a wide range of opportunities.

“Courses involving front line management, which BHP Billiton fully supports, provide a very broad range of interests to the Roxby Downs community for self educational advancement,” he said.

“One of our core values is to provide help to our employees so they can improve themselves and

advance their educational knowledge.

“We value diversity and provide financial support for our people who want to take further education courses in fields related to their trade or profession,” Mr Hellyer said.

Graduating students included Marianne Mullally, Caroline Landsmann and Sheree Jamieson who completed the Certificate II in Business Administration, Rachel Young who completed Certificate IV in Small Business Management, and Suzanne Crafter who completed a Diploma of Nursing.

Free safety services for small business U

Oxiana wins Agincourt Oxiana Limited which owns and operates the Prominent Hill gold and copper mine north of Roxby Downs has been successful in gaining the required number of shares in its take over offer for Agincourt Resources.

nder Federal G overnment funding, the Australian Industry Group is delivering free OHS services tailored to small business with less than 20 employees, or full time equivalents.

It has told the Australian Stock Exchange that it has acceptances of 93.5% of Agincourt’s shares.

It therefore extended its offer for the remaining shares in Agincourt Resources until tomorrow.

Managing Director of Oxiana, Owen Hegarty said this is an excellent result within the initial bid period and a reflection of the friendly nature of this transaction.

The notice of extension was lodged with ASIC and then mailed to the remaining Agincourt shareholders.

The extension will allow the remaining Agincourt shareholders to accept the offer before Oxiana commences the compulsory acquisition process, which it intends to do.

As of 3rd April, Oxiana replaced three of the Agincourt Board of Directors with Directors from Oxiana.

A further two Agincourt Directors will remain as independents.

Mr Peter Bowler resigned as Agincourt’s Managing Director effective 3rd April and was replaced by Mr Owen Hegarty as Executive Chairman whilst Agincourt remains listed.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Well known local identity, Vicki Mason received her parchment for the Certificate III in Horticulture, Colin Nicholls completed his Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, whilst Heather Wadrop received her parchment for the Diploma of Training and Assessment Systems.

Cath Lousberg successfully completed the Certificate IV in Frontline Management, whilst Paul Dear and Grant Houlson received their parchments for the Diploma of Frontline Management.

In addition to initial information sessions, an OHS adviser will visit the workplace to conduct a safety assessment and assist those businesses to develop an ongoing safety plan.

If your business is eligible for the program, you are urged to register now because the program only runs until June the 30th.

In Roxby Downs, there will be only one opportunity to attend the seminars on the 16th and 17th of this month, which is a pre-requisite to the safety assessment and safety plan.

To register you can call the OHS safety adviser for South Australia on 0428947290. www.themonitor.com.au

Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 7

The

Monitor COMMUNITY MATTERS

Above: Annarien Robbertse

Above: Local CFS and SES volunteers, Brett Atkins and Lol Wilton.

Get the gong for putting your hand up

Volunteers, our nation’s quiet achievers, and its backbone.

They drive the school bus, fundraise for local and national charities, rescue people from crushed cars and put out fires.

They come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life.

Their work is unpaid and often goes unnoticed, but without volunteers, many of our most

worthy organisations would cease to exist.

The Joy Noble Medal for Outstanding Volunteer Service gives communities a chance to thank their volunteers and let them know their efforts are appreciated.

The Roxby Downs Volunteering Partnership is meeting on Monday and will discuss the possibility of

a local nomination for the Joy Noble Medal.

“Volunteers do a lot of behind the scenes work and often don’t get acknowledged,” Executive Officer of the Community Board and Volunteering Partnership spokesperson, Michelle Hales said.

“The Joy Noble Medal is a great way to recognise outstanding

Library activities The Roxby Downs Community Library will conduct Childrens holiday activities during the school break.

It starts on Tuesday April 17th between 10-11am with a story and activity using Felt Bookmarks.

The following Tuesday April 24th between 10-11am there’ll be a Story and Activity making ANZAC Wreaths.

Sessions include a story and activity for children aged 4 to 13 years.

Younger children may require assistance.

For Bookings and more information phone the library on 8671 0660 Don’t forget to borrow some GREAT holiday reading!!

MEETING DATES Alcohol & Substance Abuse Partnership Volunteering Partnership Education and Workplace Training Community Board Sport and Recreation Forum Arts and Culture Forum Family and Youth Forum Health Forum

12 April 16 April 17 April 30 April 1 May 2 May 8 May 15 May

7.30pm 7.30pm 12.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Dates and times of meetings were correct at time of publication.

For further information and check venue locations please contact Michelle Hales on 0438871153

volunteers in our community,” she said.

The award is open to volunteers who provide service to a program run, administered or funded by the state government.

Nominations close at the beginning of May. If you know a volunteer who deserves recognition, contact Michelle Hales on 0438 871 153.

Safety for women, it’s a $10,000 deal Attention all Roxby Downs residents, the Augusta Zadow Scholarships are up for grabs again.

If you know anyone who is making a difference to the occupational health and safety of South Australian women, this is their chance to win a scholarship worth up to $10,000.

Augusta Zadow was a suffragist and trade activist in the late 19th century.

In 1895 she became South Australia’s first female inspector of factories, a job she used to secure better conditions for women and children working in factories.

The Augusta Zadow Scholarships aim to encourage initiatives that improve occupational health and safety for women in South Australia and can be used to fund research, undertake further education or implement occupational health and safety initiatives.

For more information on the Augusta Zadow Scholarship, visit the SafeWork SA website at www. safework.sa.gov.au

You can’t always get what you want Roxby Downs is a multicultural town.

At Olympic Dam, BHP Billiton employ over 1400 people, representing 32 different nationalities, but in some key fundamental areas, we are failing to meet the needs of those moving here from overseas.

“As a representative of the Board and Forums, people who have recently arrived from overseas often mention to me the difficulties they have in accessing specific foods,” Executive Officer of the Community Board, Michelle Hales said.

“And this goes beyond food; it encompasses things like religion, language and cultural activities as well.

“If we are serious about being a multicultural community, we need to address these concerns,” she said.

Annarien Robbertse, who moved to Australia from South Africa, said she has had a lot of difficulty finding what she needs.

“When you move to a new country everything is weird,” Mrs Robbertse said.

“You want what you grew up with, spices, chutneys, biltong (dried meat), maize meal, things like that are not available here.

“It doesn’t help approaching the local suppliers as they don’t feel there is a demand for this sort of item.

“There is a shop in Whyalla that sells multinational food, but the choice is limited and the next closest place is Adelaide,” she said.

To compensate for the lack, Mrs Robbertse decided to compile a list of shops and services that provide the items she and other multinationals might need.

“When new South Africans arrive in town they contact me and I give them the list I have made up which tells them how to buy gifts, make cheap calls to South Africa and where to buy South African goods.

“I just want to help these people, it was such a struggle for us and I’d like to make other people’s transition to this country easier,” she said.

When approached by The Monitor, Woolworths Roxby Downs were unable to comment on this issue.

Ways to have your say Do you have an issue that you want raised at any of the meetings?

Do you have suggestions, ideas or feedback that you want passed on for consideration and action?

Would you like to come along to a meeting and speak about a topic?

Would you like to join a forum or partnership?

Page 8 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

Web Log a question, comment, suggestion at community. roxbydowns.com

www.themonitor.com.au

Email

Mail

community@ Michelle Hales roxbydowns.com Executive Officer or Community Board communitygarden@ PO Box 124 roxbydowns.com Roxby Downs SA 5725

Telephone Mobile: 0438 871 153 Michelle Hales

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor

LOCAL PHOTOS

Club rev’s up The Roxby Downs Dirt Circuit Club held a recent meet at its track on Opal Road.

Here’s some pics of the action.

Above: Milica Sarmes and Kim Klinovski welcomed the birth of their son, Johnathon at the Women and Children’s Hospital on February 18. He weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces.

Above: Chad Pedersen and Kate Underwood welcomed the arrival of their first child, Lilly Kate on January 3 at the Tanunda War Memorial Hospital.

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Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 9

The

Monitor WOOMERA 60th

Woomera celebrates 60 years Our Rocket town just south of Roxby weekend with a big bash. Here are some Downs celebrated its 60th birthday at the photographs from the festivities.

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Phone for your consultation today Zealous Hair & Beauty: Chantel 8671 3039 or further enquires to Kyla Quinn 0411 113 308 Page 10 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor COOBER PEDY OPAL

Coober Pedy Easter Expo The Opal mining town of Coober Pedy was flushed with visitors at the weekend to celebrate its Opal Expo.

Here’s some of the highlights.

SURPLUS CLEARANCE SPECIALS on BRAND NEW STOCK Corrugated S Rib Iron C/Bond 17/4100 Surf Mist Corrugated S Rib Iron C/Bond 62/3800 Surf Mist Corrugated S Rib Iron C/Bond 3/1800 Heritage Red Corrugated S Rib Iron C/Bond 1/2000 1/1000 Wheat M – Clad Iron C/B 12/1200 Paperbark M – Clad Iron C/B 17/1500 Classic Cream M – Clad Iron C/B 7/5900 Stone Beige M – Clad Iron C/B 7/4400 Stone Beige 14 Wall Iron C/B 2430MM Beige. Suit Olympic Shed Walls 1 Hot Water Service N/G Ext Stellar (*10 yr Warranty) 16 Chocolate Brown Leather Recliners

Arcoona Street Roxby Downs SA, 5725 THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

WAS

NOW

$15.25 $15.25 $15.25 $15.25 $14.75 $14.75 $14.75 $14.75 $29.50 $1190.95 $649.95

$10.95 $10.95 $10.95 $10.95 $10.95 $10.95 $10.95 $10.95 $26.50 $999.95 $499.00

Phone: 8671 0322 Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 11

REAL ESTATEeview R

29 Maireana Circuit

I

“your search is over”

the 3 way bathroom with spa bath, f you’ve been on the search for ripples of the water in the pool.

There is a pantry along with plenty powder room and separate toilet. All a luxurious home your search of cupboard space that have been bedrooms have ceiling fans. might just be over! designed to compliment the kitchen along with the range hood, electric stove, oven and breakfast bar. At the rear of the dining area is the entrance to the family room which has been decorated with feature walls and is another great escape that has been ideally positioned and also allows views to the pool.

The main bedroom is located at the front of the home with a bay window, roller shutters, walk in robe and en-suite. Other 3 bedrooms are located in their own separate passage way off of the dining and are double sized. These rooms are serviced by

This home has sufficient room for the family with its double sized bedrooms and large living areas.

You can be greeted at the formal entrance which opens to the lounge that is full of character with its timber carved posts & combined ambience makes this room great for relaxation any time - day or night.

The passage has designer tiles that leads you to the large open plan kitchen & dining in which you can prepare the family meal and look out the bay window and enjoy the views of the entertainment area and the

There is well appointed linen cupboards in the spacious laundry.

The home is serviced by a ducted evaporative air conditioning system and has a rain water tank.

The front of the home is a paved driveway that leads to a carport and is secured from the street by two roller doors and leads you to the large shed. The front garden has a tropical appearance with large palms and other ground cover.

To arrange an inspection please contact Ali Webber - Wardle Co Real Estate 0417 816 738

REAL ESTATE ROXBY DOWNS

3 POGONA COURT

best offer over $455,000

4 bdrm brick executive home. Formal tiled entrance way leads to large Tasmanian oak kitchen overlooks pool and entertaining area. Large Formal lounge area. Main bdrm has bay window and access to 2 way bathroom. 4th bdrm tiled & has sliding door to entertaining area great as an extra room or office. Tool shed, rear gate access, single carport with access to house via kitchen.

Beautifully landscaped gardens. Rental potential $550 PLUS per week 6 EREMOPHILA STREET Offers over $350,000

4 bdrm home, BIR’s, ensuite, recently recarpeted throughout, spacious lounge with room for 2 entertaining areas, adjacent is dining and kitchen area. Large allotment with garden shed, lawn, pergola & rear gate access available from double carport. Currently leased BHP at $370 pw expiring June 2008.

29 MAIREANA CIRCUIT

$479,000

4bdrm brick executive home with double sized bedrooms, large ensuite and 3 way bathroom with spa for other 3 bdrms. Open plan living area with tiles, kitchen has bay window & overlooks entertainment area and pool, large pantry, dishwasher & electric oven. Formal lounge & family room both full of character, evap cooling, gas heating, dbl carport with roller doors, large shed. Tropical gardens.

24 MYALL STREET 

$349,000

Invest in history Excellent opportunity to purchase a magnificent piece of history, built in 1866 originally for the Australia Post and Telegraph station, this in itself indicates the quality of workmanship.

Currently used as a residence with street frontage, giving the purchaser an ideal opportunity to run their own business from the main service area.

Set at the foot hills of the picturesque Mt Remarkable and the increasingly popular town of Melrose is this three bedroom stone building which are all complete with reverse cycle split system air-conditioning along with the formal lounge and kitchen area.

Enjoy the views from the excellent dining/entertaining area and sunroom.

Rear timber decking, garage, rain and mains water.

Retire from the busy city life and relax in this magnificent home with nothing to do but enjoy life.

For further information please contact Martin Stringer—Wardle Co Real Estate 0417 897 159 $320,000

Ali Webber Property Consultant

Phone 0417 816 738 Email: wardle_roxbywestnet.com.au www.themonitor.com.au

products and prices and come in with an open mind.

“What suits one person may not suit another,” Ms Rogers said.

According to the CANNEX report, one of the biggest traps is focusing on the mortgage with the lowest interest rate.

This style of loan is fine if paid out over time, but can incur hefty exit penalties if repaid in the first three years.

“The average mortgage these days is terminated in less than five years, but some borrowers are not shopping around for the very best deal with this in mind.

“The best way to say goodbye to exit penalties is to plan ahead and tailor your loan to suit your home-owning behaviour,” Mr Senlitonga said.

Affordability pressures in SA D

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released, new home starts in South Australia eased by 2.1 per cent in the December quarter to 2,781.

Australia’s peak building industry body, HIA, said the figures confirm that the need to address the problem of affordability is critical in order to alleviate the current softer housing and tight rental market conditions.

HIA’s Regional Director, South Australia, Mr Robert Harding, said that

Tania Noonan Property Manager

Page 12 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

Repaying your home loan early will save you money, right? Not always, according to financial services research group, CANNEX. After analysing nearly 400 standard and basic variable loans, the company found people repaying their mortgages early could face more than $7000 in exit penalties.

“This should serve as a warning to unwary consumers that paying out a home loan early can hit you so hard in the hip pocket, you almost need to take out a second mortgage to cover the cost,” CANNEX Financial Analyst Harry Senlitonga said.

Roxby’s own Alliance One Credit Union Area Manager, Liz Rogers said people need to choose the mortgage that is right for them.

“Do your homework , compare

espite solid levels of residential building activity, historically low levels of housing affordability is constraining new building activity in South Australia.

3 bdrm home completley renovated.

New timber gourmet kitchen with oven, dishwasher & pantry. Two tone colours in living areas with dusty pink & cream & jarah timber picture rails that compliment the polished floor boards.

Combustion fire heater, reverse cycle aircon & evap cooling. 2 entertainment areas, all bdrms with BIR’s, beautiful window treatments throughout. Large 20 x 30 shed with rear gate access, carport with roller door.

Currently tenanted until Feb 2008 at $400 pw subject to rent increase in August 2007.

Martin Stringer Real Estate Manager

The sting in the tail

very high land prices and transaction costs would mean that throughout 2007 there could well continue to be fewer affordable homes built than required.

“Housing starts are holding up reasonably well at present – both detached house starts and multi-unit starts were higher at the end of last year than at the end of 2005.

“However, the update showing a fall in starts in the December quarter last year highlights the risk of weaker times to come for new housing in South Australia.

“The twin problems of struggling first home buyers and very tight rental markets are set to continue because the barriers to new housing are at present just too high,” Mr Harding said.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor HEALTH MATTERS

Our bulk billing rates are up Bulk billing rates for nonreferred GP attendances in Roxby Downs and the electorate of Grey increased from 2005 to last year according to new government data that’s just been released.

In Grey the number of attendances grew from 601,874 in 2005 to 631,118 last year.

There was also an increase of 1.5% in the number of services offered during the period from 740,230 in 2005 to 761,795 last year.

The national average bulk-billing rate for non-referred GP attendances in 2006 was 76.6%, up from 74.7% in 2005.

Comparing bulk-billing rates from

Breast Screen SA on its way

Above: Bron Knight with the x-ray unit.

Chests out ladies, BreastScreen SA Roxby Downs area to come along for their breast screening mammogram,” is on its way to Roxby Downs.

The Mobile Breast X-Ray Unit will be in town from April 19 - 26, offering free screening mammograms to women aged over 40 years.

“If breast cancer is found at an early stage, there is a greater chance of successful treatment,” BreastScreen SA Promotions and Education Manager, Karen Shepherd said.

“It is estimated that for individual women aged 50 – 69, having a mammogram every two years reduces the chance of dying from breast cancer by about 40 per cent,” she said.

BreastScreen SA Director, Lou Williamson urged every eligible woman to take advantage of the free service.

“We’d like to encourage women in the

Ms Williamson said.

“It’s important for people to realise we won’t be back until 2009, so they need to take advantage of the mobile unit while it is in their area.

“One mammogram is not enough to last a lifetime, women need one every two years.

“This service is available to all women over the age of 40, but we primarily target women aged 50 – 69.

“We believe women in remote areas deserve to have services available close to where they live,” she said.

No referral is required to take advantage of BreastScreen SA’s free screening mammograms.

Call 132 050 to make an appointment.

2005 to 2006 by electorate: 146 electorates, or 97 per cent, recorded increases in bulk-billing in 2006.

This is two more electorates than in 2005.

The highest bulk-billing rate in 2006 was in Chifley, NSW, at 98.6 per cent.

The data highlights an amusing point as the federal government makes a push for the country to use bulk billing, the nation’s capital is very slow to take up the lead with the electorate of Fraser, ACT, (49.5 per cent) and Canberra, ACT, (46.7 per cent) being the only electorates with bulk billing below 50 per cent.

In total, Australians received around $11.26 billion in Medicare

rebates during 2006.

As expected, 1.5 million people were helped by the extended Medicare Safety Net in 2006.

A total of nearly $258 million was spent through the safety nets, helping people with high out-ofpocket costs for Medicare-eligible services.

Under the extended Medicare Safety Net, eligible families and individuals qualify for additional Medicare benefits if they accumulate out-of-pocket costs for Medicare eligible services provided outside hospital.

Obstetric services, specialist attendances and IVF services are the largest contributors to costs covered by the safety net.

Arthritis don’t be complacent Its Arthritis Awareness Week.

The main thrust of it this year is on complacency.

“This week we are challenging the complacency that too often surrounds the disease that strikes 1 in 6 Australians,” Chief Executive Officer of Arthritis Australia, Ainslie Cahill said.

“There is so much misinformation about arthritis. “Arthritis is not a natural part of ageing. In fact most people with arthritis are of working age and many are surprised to discover children get arthritis too,” she said.

The word ‘arthritis’ refers to more than 100 different diseases, mainly of the immune system.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and even the mosquito borne Ross

Dial

000

for emergencies

River Virus are all different types of arthritis.

“There can be a real temptation to self-diagnose and self-medicate conditions such as osteoarthritis on the basis of a creaky knee or swollen joint,” Ms Cahill said.

“Arthritis Australia urges anyone with any symptoms of arthritis joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue - to see a specialist, a rheumatologist, as soon as possible.

“Once arthritis is accurately diagnosed it can be surprisingly easy to do something about it, especially if medication and management techniques are regularly reviewed,” the chief executive said.

“Keeping active is vital as is maintaining a healthy weight.

“Every kilogram of weight gained puts an extra three kilos of pressure

on joints like knees and ankles.

“So for some people with osteoarthritis, just losing a bit of weight can significantly reduce pain and increase mobility.”

According to a report commissioned from Access Economics, arthritis is the biggest cause of pain and disability in Australia. It costs the community more than $19 billion a year.

“While we can crunch the numbers on the enormous economic impact arthritis has, the emotional price paid by people with arthritis as well as their friends, family, carers and workmates can’t be readily measured,” Ms Cahill said.

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www.themonitor.com.au

Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 13

ART

&

U arts matters

Youth Week gets ready to explode The Roxby Downs Youth Week exhibition.

“What we want to do is to let people which kicks off on Saturday is know what’s happening, because it is expected to rock.

A full week of activities has been organized by Family and Youth Officer Tom Beever and Arts Officer Rodney Mitchell.

It includes a musical extravaganza where the town’s youth will have access to the auditorium for “jam” sessions, and specialist tuition in musical arrangement.

“We want these kids to take their music a step further, they have the skills and musical knowledge, so this week it is all about exploration of their inner self through their music,” Mr. Mitchell said.

There’ll be a concert on the Wednesday featuring young peoples music and a large audience is expected to flow out onto the concourse.

Art Schultz will be working with the town’s youth in art exhibition techniques and will give them the art gallery for a couple of weeks to run their own

an exciting time especially to witness what talent we have here on our own doorstep,” Mr. Mitchell said.

“We want to achieve some new music out of this.

“The dance group will focus on fitness, working with Sarah Collins from the leisure centre to work on their fitness, because we’re going to provide a very physical program.

“The musicians will be able to rehearse in an unstructured environment because we’ve got kids who know how to do it,” he said.

Mr. Beever said the events schedule will not be a baby sitting program throughout the week but the kids will be there to enjoy themselves.

“The kids have to sign in and sign out and they’ll be under specialist supervision all of the time.

“If parents want to volunteer we’ll welcome them with open arms,” he said.

The Flying Doctor goes plane crazy The Royal Flying Doctor Service is inviting all primary schools in South Australia to go Plane Crazy by taking part in a special fun and educational program in 2007.

Plane Crazy was launched last year with the aim of teaching young South Australians about the history, services provided, and importance of one of Australia’s most unique organisations, the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

50 schools participated in the program and helped to raise $30,000 for the RFDS in the process with schools from Yunta to Minlaton to Adelaide participating.

John Tobin, General Manager Public Relations & Marketing for the RFDS said, “Plane Crazy is a fantastic way for primary schools of all sizes to learn about one of this country’s most important services.

“Each participating school receives copies of our 20 page, full colour Plane Crazy booklets which features stories, puzzles and a range of activities that make learning about the RFDS lots of fun.”

There is also a serious side to the Plane Crazy program, and that’s to help the RFDS raise much needed funds for new aircraft and vital medical equipment.

Mr Tobin added. “Many people think we have no need to raise funds but nothing could be further from the truth. We are highly reliant on the support of the community to keep our vital service in the air.

“The other great myth we want to dispel is that the RFDS is only for people in the Outback,” he said.

“Whilst we of course look after people in remote areas, we also transfer many patients each year from major regional centres and we even transfer patients living in Adelaide to hospitals in Melbourne and Sydney for specialised treatment.”

So how can your school raise money for the RFDS? It might be a gold coin casual day where students have a pilot and nurse dress up day, or you might make a donation to go into a plane making competition.

For those a little older it might be an essay writing competition about the RFDS. The ideas are as endless as your imagination!

Whilst the RFDS has organised Friday 18 May as a specially designated Plane Crazy Day, participating schools can host their own day of celebration at whatever time it fits into their school schedule.

Teachers can register their school for Plane Crazy by calling the RFDS on 8238 3333 whereupon they will be sent out booklets and Plane Crazy Stickers.

RFDS staff will even visit participating schools wherever possible!

By Rodney Mitchell

Governance. I spent a whole day in Adelaide recently sitting around a table in the bowels of Arts SA discussing governance.

Arts SA offices in Hindley Street are a wonder. It’s crowded in there. Around the table were about fifteen women and two men. We got the drum. Watch your backs. If you are on a board or hold an elected position in an incorporated association, stay awake. It is very important that you understand how to read a balance sheet and a cash flow chart.

If you can demonstrate that you took “due care”, you have nothing to worry about. Due care won’t protect the association from fraud or clever theft. But it will protect you from being accused of not taking “due care”, for which you can be held liable.

There is insurance you can buy, to in some way protect you as an office bearer, but the best insurance is common sense.

That means risk management. It’s like defensive driving. It doesn’t stop you driving, but it makes it more likely you will arrive at your destination intact. It improves your odds.

If you can demonstrate, as a group, that you have taken all reasonable steps towards managing a potential threat you will avoid charges of not taking due care, or of negligence.

A couple of weeks ago the Community Board became an incorporated body.

That means that those office bearers are now under the regulations. They have a responsibility to oversee the financial position of the Board and the activities of the Forums.

Our arts development activities in Roxby in the recent past have been financed by Council, Country Arts SA and government arts funding bodies, Federal and State.

In the past Roxby Leisure Centre and Cultural Precinct was leased out. The contractor had certain performance indicators to work to, and a budget as defined in his tender.

Now the Cultural Precinct and Leisure Centre have been brought back under the administrative umbrella of the Council. It has become a business unit within Council.

So the threads of accountability and good governance now run directly through the Forums, the Community Board Inc. and they must be accountable to Council and whoever it is that funds them.

So when you get a tightening of the budget at the State level, that devolves to the Council, that then devolves to the Community Board and onto the Forums. It’s the same with bad governance. That shifts around too.

The Management of the RD Cultural Precinct and Leisure Centre now calls itself Roxby Leisure. It no longer has to survive as a privately run business. It has to survive as a business unit of Council.

Nothing much has changed about our way of operating. I think we have had some successes with workshops.

I think our customer service has improved. I think we are a happy staff here.

I think our visual arts program has been up to scratch and we are always looking for new ways to use our scarce resources more efficiently.

LOCAL, LIVE AND LOVING IT!

Friendly faces of RoxFM

Email: manager@roxfm.com.au or info@roxfm.com.au

Website: www.roxfm.com.au

SMS your request on 0407 979 918 or phone 8671 2545 Page 14 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

WHAT’S

N

ACROSS THE REGION SPORT

Senior basketball 7-9pm

Friday April 13th Roxby Downs Bowls Club Night Owls 8pm

Woomera & Districts Football League Saturday April 28th 12 noon Hornridge v Andamooka 2pm Roxby Districts v Olympic Dam

Monday, April 16th Karate Auditorium Colts (Age 5-12) 6pm Juniors/Adults 6:45pm Contact Tracey Fouet 0400 894 429

Roxby Downs Softball League Sunday May 6th 11.30am Rebels 1 v Devil Cats 1.30pm Rebels 2 v Shakers

Visitor Information Centre 8.30 - 5.00 Mon-Fri Phone 86712001

Roxby Downs Childcare Monday - Friday 6.30am-5.30pm Phone 8671 0911 for details

Roxby Downs Family Practice Phone 8671 3231

Indoor soccer 6-7pm

Roxby Downs Medical Practice Normal hours 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday morning by appointment only. Phone 8671 1900

Tae KwonDo - Auditorium from 6.30pm Contact Andrew Murdy 0418 804 398

Eyebus Woomera May 23rd Andamooka May 24th Roxby Downs May 24th

Wednesday, April 18th Karate Auditorium Colts (Age 5-12) 6pm Juniors/Adults 6:45pm Contact Tracey Fouet 0400 894 429

Visiting Allied Health Service Occupational Therapist Speech Pathologist Dietician Podiatrist Child Adolescent Mental Health Services For appointments phone 8648 5800

Thursday, April 19th Tae KwonDo Auditorium From 6:30pm Contact Andrew Murdy 0418 804 398

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Forum April 17th - 12.30pm Council Boardroom Volunteering Partnership April 16th 7.30pm Health Forum May 15th - 7.30pm

Roxby Downs Market Days May 19th June 16th August 18 September 15th October 20th November 17th

For further details on Community matters call Michelle Hales on 86710010

SeptemberRoxby Roxbyx

Mt Dare Hotel is open every day, 8:00am -9:00pm, 7 days.

GENERAL INFORMATION

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Gym Cultural & Leisure Precinct Monday to Friday 6 am-12pm & 4pm - 9 pm Saturday 8-12pm Sunday 11-2pm Phone 86710500

Community members welcome to attend any meeting of the Roxby Downs Community Board.

Roxby Downs Community Library Monday to Friday 8.30-5.00pm Saturday 9.00-12pm.

Phone 8671 0660 for more information.

RFDS Roxby Downs Auxillary Irish Christmas June 23rd at the Roxby Downs Community Club

April 9th - 9.30am- 11:00am Normal weight gains Roxby Downs Helath Seminar Room

School Terms 2007 January 29 - April 13, 2007 April 30 - July 6 2007 July 23-September 28 2007 October 15-December 14 2007

Community Board April 30th - 7.30pm Council boardroom

Art Gallery Exhibitions 1 – 30 April 2007 Youth Week Photography Expo

Family & Youth Forum May 8th - 7.30pm Council Boardroom

Toddlers Story Time Fun for young children and mums Roxby Downs Library Richardson Place Tuesdays 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sport & Recreation Forum May 1st - 7.30pm Foyer Cultural & Leisure Precinct

Playgroup St Barbara’s Parish School Phone 86710925

Arts & Cultural Forum May 2nd - 7.30pm Foyer Cultural & Leisure Precinct

Coffee Mornings for Families Meet and chat for all families. New comers especially welcome.

Dunes Café 9:30am – 11am

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Partnership April 12th - 7.30pm Council Boardroom

Every Friday Playgroup

Education & Workplace Training

Hearing Services April 26 - 9.00am - 2.30pm For an appointment call 1800-006303

Indoor Soccer Leisure Centre Social matches from 6pm All welcome Contact Kenton Maloney 0408 797 158

Every Sunday Tour De Desert Cycling Social Bike riding group from 8am Contact Daryl Wake 0408 188 685

Leisure & Cultural Centre Movies Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Sunday (see schedule below) Phone 86712001

HEALTH Roxby

Tuesday, April 17th A- Grade Mens Basketball Leisure Centre 7pm – 10pm

Roxby Downs Kindergarten Phone 86710455

Every Week

1 – 16 May 2007 Come Out Youth Arts Festival TBA 17 May – 12 Jun 2007 A Tribute to Iris Frame Iris Frame June 15 – July 29 Art Quilts Heather Carey Performing Arts June 2007 Comedy Festival Country Arts

MINING FEATURE - April 19

Full colour discounts and free editorial spotlights are available so take advantage of our offer to promote your business by phoning Heather on 8671 2683 or Gail on 8248 2450

ROXBY DOWNS CULTURAL & LEISURE PRECINCT REGULAR SCHEDULE

SPORTS CALENDAR

Cultural Precinct Visitors Information centre Dunes café Art Gallery Open Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm

This Week March 8 - March 16 Thursday Nippy Gym – Auditorium 9.30am - 11.00am Squash 7pm-9pm Indoor Soccer 6pm -7pm Taekwondo 6.30pm – 8.30pm 12 years and over Basketball 7pm - 9pm

Leisure Centre Gymnasium Mon – Fri 6am – 12pm 4pm - 9pm Saturday 8am - 12pm Sunday 11am - 2pm Pool Times January 29 - April 5, 2007

General Public Mon - Fri – 2pm - 7pm (If over 35 degrees - open until 8pm)

Weekends 10am - 8pm Lap Swimming Mon-Fri 6pm - 8:30am Mon-Thurs 7pm - 8pm (2 lanes) Weekends 9am - 10am Swim Club Mon-Thur 5:30pm -8pm (3 lanes) Creche for patrons of the centre Mon –Fri 8.45am-12pm THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Monday Volleyball 7pm - 9pm Nippy Gym – Auditorium 9:30am - 10:30am Karate - 6pm - 8.30pm

Phone: 8671 2001 Fax: 8671 2021 EVENTS OUTBACK CINEMA

Art Gallery Program Now Showing 12 April - 4 May Youth Arts Exhibition RDAS Students Coming Soon 7 - 19 May Come Out Youth Festival Art Exhibition.

TOUCH FOOTY? We have a social mixed competition starting soon…

Please register your interest with Bridget at the Leisure Centre.

Both new and experienced players welcome!!

Tuesday Squash 7pm - 9pm Indoor Soccer 6pm - 7pm Taekwondo 6.30 – 8.30 12 years and over Basketball 7pm - 9pm Wednesday Women’s & Mixed Netball 7pm - 9pm Karate 6pm - 8.30pm

Ph 8671 0500

www.themonitor.com.au

April

MEET THE ROBINSONS Rated G. Duration 101 mins. If you think your family’s different, wait ‘til you meet the family of the future! Lewis is a brilliant inventor who meets a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson. Whisking Lewis away in a time machine, Wilbur teams up with him to track down Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate. Starring the voices of: Angela Bassett, Laurie Metcalf, Daniel Hansen & Jordan Fry. Fri 20th 8pm Sat 14th 12pm Sat 21st 12pm Sun 15th 12pm & 7pm Sun 22nd 3pm Wed 18th 12pm Mon 23rd 9am & 3pm WILD HOGS Rated M Duration 99 mins. Four middle-aged men (Allen, Travolta, Lawrence & Macy) decide to take a road trip in order to get away from their lives which are leading them nowhere.

Taking their motorcycles, these “Wild Hogs” tear up the road and eventually stop in New Mexico for a drink, not knowing that the bar belongs to the “Del Fuegos”, a mean biker gang. Starring: John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, William H Macy, Ray Liotta & Marisa Tomei.

Fri 13th 8pm Mon 16th 12 pm Sat 21st 3pm Sat 14th 3pm Tues 17th 7pm Sun 22nd 12 & 7pm Sun 15th 3pm Wed 18th 3pm Mon 23rd 12pm Tues 24th 7pm

Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Page 15

Monitor’s TIME OUT

Page 16 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor GENERAL NEWS

Outback College opened More rural !nancial counsellors needed Nationals SA Senate candidate Mark Cuthbertson, stands by his recent criticism of the Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought assistance program currently on offer to farmers and small businesses, which he previously described as under-resourced and inefficient.

‘It is absolute nonsense for anyone to suggest the Rural Financial Counselling Service is equipped to deal with the current drought conditions,” Mr Cuthbertson said.

“There is only one rural financial counsellor based at Port Augusta

to service the whole of the Rangelands – which is about half of the state!

“I am also disappointed that the vast North-west pastoral district has been completely overlooked in the EC exercise.

“There are now only 13 rural financial counsellors working across regional South Australia, and the majority of these are based within 150 km of Adelaide.

“Prior to the restructure of the service there were 4 rural financial counsellors working on the Eyre Peninsula – one based at Port Lincoln, one at Streaky Bay, and two part time positions at Kimba.

“With the whole of the Eyre

Peninsula now in drought - either EC or Interim EC declared, there is only remaining – a part time position at Kimba,” he said.

Mr Cuthbertson said the one and only rural financial counsellor on the Yorke Peninsula has now been pulled to assist in the Mid-north.

“Even though the Yorke Peninsula hasn’t been declared EC, things are still pretty tough, and they still need their counsellor.

“It’s little wonder that the reports I am receiving confirm that farmers across the state are having trouble seeing a rural financial counselor,” Mr Cuthbertson said.

“The bottom line is there is a pressing need to recruit and train

Work is a killer for relationships Australia’s dominant work culture is placing enormous strain on relationships, particularly in families, according to the results of a new report, An Unexpected Tragedy: Evidence for the connection between working hours and family breakdown in Australia.

“Our report reveals that the past three decades of prosperity experienced by Australia have come at an unexpected price,” Paul Shepanski, co-author of the report, said.

“The cost of this material success for Australians has not just been a more onerous burden of work but the effect of this work on relationships, especially in families,” he said.

Thirty years ago, average Australian workers spent less than forty hours a week at work, and this was predictably between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

This gave them time for leisure activities away from work, and regular time with family and friends.

Over the last three decades, working patterns in Australia have altered so dramatically that Australia is now the only high-income country in the world that combines very long average working hours with a high level of work at unsocial times – during weeknights and Thursday, April 19, 2007 – Page 20

weekends – and a significant proportion of casual employment.

“The study shows that the balance between work and family life in Australia is severely out of kilter today, a deterioration that has occurred over many years, beyond the term of any particular government,” Mr. Shepanski said.

“Research has helped us to draw the link between working patterns and the quality of relationships.

“The cold statistics provide vital clues to the thousands of relationships in crisis across our country.

“Long and atypical working patterns are associated with dysfunctional family environments,” Mr Shepanski said. ”The findings are a loud wake-up call for Federal and State governments, business and families.

“A significant majority of Australians see this as a problem. Until now, policymakers have lacked the coherent arguments and the right tools, to take action to support strong relationships in families and in the wider community.

“The disturbing results of this report compel governments to sit up and take stock. Strong family and community relationships need to be at the top of our national agenda,” Mr Shepanski said.

more Rural Financial Counsellors to live and work in the EC declared regions.”

Mr Cuthbertson a grandson of the late RM Williams, has worked in banking across rural and regional SA for most of his career.

He also worked from 2000 to 2004 as a Rural Financial Counsellor on Kangaroo Island and in the Flinders and Pastoral Region.

“When elected to the Senate I will be vigorously pursuing a review of the total EC program, including EC declaration, farmer and small business eligibility, appropriate support benefits and service delivery,” he said.

The Australian Technical College – Spencer Gulf and Outback at Port Augusta has been officially opened.

The College offers students across the region access to complete formal secondary schooling whilst at the same time kick-starting their trade career.

“This Australian Technical College is a specialist school which will provide the Spencer Gulf and Outback communities with a first-class educational institution and sends a strong message to the community, that the days when a trade or vocational qualification being regarded as second class were over,” the Federal Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb said.

The College has three campuses, located in Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie. “The campuses work in a collaborative partnership with local government and non-government schools providing opportunities for young people in the region to achieve trade training through an Australian Schoolbased Apprenticeship whilst completing Year 12,” Mr Robb said.

Member for Grey, Barry Wakelin, joined Mr Robb in welcoming the opening. “This important initiative has been well received by local business and industry, and will help to address the regions skills needs,” Mr Wakelin said.

“The fact that this College is being led by local employers, local government and other key stakeholders, means it will be truly industry and community responsive.”

The Australian Government is investing $456.2 million over five years to 2009 to establish and operate 25 Australian Technical Colleges across Australia.

Twenty one Colleges will be operational across Australia in 2007.

A piece of wire Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you……..a milestone was reached this week, the safety pin turned 158 years old!

Clasp style pins have been in use for thousands of years, but the safety pin as we know it was invented in 1849 by American inventor, Walter Hunt.

Hunt, a mechanic from New York, was a prolific inventor whose creations included a forerunner to the repeating rifle, road sweeping machinery, the street car bell and America’s first sewing machine.

For every invention he had patented, he needed drawings made and he became indebted to his draftsman.

The draftsman, a man named Richardson, gave Hunt a piece of old wire and said he would write off the fifteen dollar debt and give Hunt four hundred dollars for whatever he could create out of it.

Three hours later, the safety pin was born.

Patented on the tenth of April, safety pins were an immediate success, selling for two cents per dozen.

The marketing spiel claimed the safety pin was ‘more secure and durable than any other plan of clasp pin’ and could be used ‘without danger of bending or wounding the fingers’.

A century and a half later, the safety pin has more than repaid Richardson’s faith in it.

Economical and easy to use, it can be found from New York to Newcastle, helping create masterpieces, holding up nappies, hems and reputations.

It has even been used as a fashion accessory, such as displayed by Liz Hurley (pictured).

Other inventions have come and gone, but at 158 the safety pin is still going strong. Not bad for a device made out of an old piece of wire. www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALE

TRANSPORT & REMOVALS

8 NYAROO COURTSUN 22nd APRIL 10am – 4pm. Whitegoods, furniture, small shed, hot house, kitchen wares, beds, linen, tools, baby furniture, prams, air conditioners, stainless steel oven and range hood. See You There!

Pt Pirie & Adelaide Depots Antique & Household Removals Local, Interstate & Country Storage & Delivery Specialists

Ph: 0427 716 173 Roxby Downs ! Pt Augusta ! Pt Pirie

C

Church Times

Power Outages Olympic Dam Industrial Area Friday 13/4/2007 8.00am to 8.45am Sunday 15/4/2007 8.00am to 3.00pm

Andamooka Catholic Church Sunday 11am first and third Sunday of every month St Barbara’s Catholic Church Roxby Downs Saturday evening 6pm Sunday morning 9am Roxby Downs Lutheran Church Sunday 10.30am and Sunday School – 9.30am St Michael’s Catholic Church, Woomera, Sunday 5pm All denominations welcome Faithworks Church Sunday 10.00am at the Roxby Downs TAFE College.

Andamooka Community Church. Sunday 2pm Roxby Downs Christian Community Church Sunday 10am

Olympic Dam Village (Formerly Camp 1) Friday 13/4/2007 8.00am - 12noon Sunday 15/4/2007 8.00am to 3.00pm

Roxby Downs Township and Desalination Plant and outer Lease Gate Sunday 15/4/2007 2.00pm to 3.00pm The above power outages and switching operations are required to enable demolition of overhead high voltage infrastructure at Olympic Dam Village.

Duration and times may vary

Council snippets Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours The Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours are 1pm – 6pm, seven days a week. Residents are encouraged to utilise this FREE service as the dumping of litter in reserves or lands surrounding the town attract an expiation penalty fee of $315.00 as per the Local Government Act. Fire Prevention Please contact the Roxby Downs Council for any questions relating to the fire danger season, fire bans or permits.

Advertising on Council Infrastructure Advertising on Council infrastructure such as light poles can attract expiation notices under the Local Government Act. If you spot any such advertising please notify the Council.

Dog Registration Residents are reminded that you must notify the Council within 72 hours if your dog is moved to different premises, the dog dies or is missing or the ownership of the dog is transferred to another person.

Failure to notify the Council of any of these changes can attract an $80.00 Expiation Notice.

Please also ensure that all dogs over the age of three months are registered, failure to comply can again result in an $80.00 Expiation Notice being issued.

Rates The third quarterly instalments are now overdue for payment; please pay immediately to avoid late fees.

Please contact Bronnie Warren at the Council on 8671 0010 for any payment arrangements or enquiries. Fines will apply to all overdue accounts.

Water Quarterly meter readings for Water commenced on 26 March, 2007. Please ensure your

YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY

EASY FIND BUSINESS INFO Roxby Classic Clean

For all your cleaning requirements

Vinyl Stripping and Resealing

Houses Flats

Yards Cleared

Units

Gutters Cleaned

ATCO's

Lawns Mowed

Phone Faye 0407 898 803 or 0448 287 227 8671 0049

Reasonable Rates Free Quotes Honest and Reliable

ALL AREAS ROOF

REPAIRS AND PAINTING TIN, TILES & COLOUR BOND HIGH UV PROTECTION ALL WORK GUARANTEED GUTTERS & TANKS ALSO FITTED FOR GARDEN UP KEEP PHONE IVAN CONLEY 0429 679 705

IRONING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Ph: 8671 1234 Fax: 8671 2823 Mob: 0407 711 234

$30 PER BASKET THIS INCLUDES A PICK UP & DELIVERY SERVICE. IF YOU WISH NOT TO UTILISE THIS SERVICE, THEN THE AMOUNT IS $25 PER BASKET PLEASE PROVIDE OWN BASKET & COAT HANGERS IF REQUIRED

Shop 5/14 Tutop Street Roxby Downs SA BLD - 173944

Providing a complete service: ! ! ! ! !

" General Repairs " Carpentry " Plumbing " Electrical " Painting

" Fencing " Cabinet-making " Gas-tting " Carpet/Vinyl " Refrigeration

ROXBY DOWNS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

AUTOMOTIVE AIR-CONDITIONING SERVICE AND REPAIRS. 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE MOBILE OR WORKSHOP SERVICE

8671 1474

Mob 0438 701 474 58 Stuart Road, Roxby Downs TWIN STREET BOOK EXCHANGE WE EXCHANGE, SELL & BUY

For all your lending, investment, insurance, nancial planning & everyday banking needs.

Visit us in Tutop Street, call 8671 2555 or explore www.bigsky.net.au Page 18 – Thursday, April 12, 2007

meters are accessible.

Accounts for the 31 March, 2007 quarter will be issued approximately mid April.

Electricity Quarterly meter readings for Electricity commenced on 26 March, 2007. Please ensure your meters are accessible. Accounts for the 31 March, 2007 quarter will be issued approximately mid April.

Parking Please be aware that there has been an increase in the expiation fee for parking in a bus zone, it has gone up to $73 from $47.

Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace services are available at the Council offices by appointment only.

The Justice of the Peace is registered for South Australia only; therefore proof of residency is required. Please contact Council front desk for further details.

Local Website Visit your local updated website. New Forums have now been added. Read what’s new and have your say in the Forums at www. roxbydowns.com Rubbish Collection Residents are reminded that there is a limit of one bin per household for weekly rubbish collection and that it is the residents responsibility to ensure that bins are in serviceable condition with closable lids that prevent flies and birds from accessing rubbish.

Please be diligent as littering attracts an Expiation Penalty Fee of $315.00 – ie over flowing bins.

Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours 1pm – 6pm seven days a week.

Council Office Hours – General Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm.

Visit your local community website at: www. roxbydowns.com

> Comics > Paperback Novels > Selected Magazines IT’S AS EASY AS PUTTING THEM ON THE BUS TO YOU

Mon - Thurs 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday 9.00am - 7.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.30pm

PHONE 8223 3922 22-24 Twin Street Adelaide SA 5000 www.themonitor.com.au

FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR TO MAKE A BOOKING PLEASE CONTACT TAMARA

ON

0408 805 092.

Johnson’s Lawn & Garden ∞Automatic Irrigation ∞Sprinkler System installation & maintenance ∞Prepare & install instant turf ∞Mulch and garden preparation

Phone Brent on 0411 042 423 or 8671 08

Creative Trims & Craft

Phone 8671 0153

24 Curdimurka Street

For all your Quilting needs • Embroidery • Ribbons • Beads • Laces • Haberdashery •PFAFF Machines & accessories Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9.30am to 2.30pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday or phone for an appointment THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor SPORT

So, you wanna be like Tiger?

Above: Yunta races. Photo courtesy of SATC

Yunta races offers $10,000 The Yunta Racing Club has doubled the prize money of the 2007 YUNTA CUP, resulting in a colossal $2,500 first prize!

The 1400m race is the feature of the annual Yunta Picnic Races and Gymkhana, to be held on 12th May. As a result of un-precedented generous sponsorship, the 26-event program carries a total of $10,000 in prize money and trophies.

Gymkhana events will be run in four age groups, with up to $80 offered as first prize in some junior

events.

The spectacular Double Texas Barrel Race offers $300 (per pair) first prize, with the 5 fastest individual qualifiers competing for a further $300 each!

Many events have seen an increase in prize money this year.

The final event of the day will be the impressive Four Horse Relay, where teams will compete for $200 first prize.

Spectators will be well catered for with on-course catering, a booth, novelty events, children’s amuse-

ments, childcare and a fantastic raffle.

To add further interest, trade displays and demonstrations will also be highlighted on the day.

Race day will conclude with a Cabaret at the Yunta Hall.

The Yunta Picnic Races and Gymkhana is the only surviving race meeting along the Barrier Highway - and is the major local event of the year.

Yunta is just 90 kms east of Peterborough.

Monitoring the SA !shing scene Compiled by Peter Medhurst

Land Based

City Hotspot The Port River continues to fire through Easter.

Decent schools of Salmon Trout have enticed nice Mulloway into the river systerm with 10kg fish reported to be attainable around the submarine base.

By far the best bait is live salmon trout, however nice fish have been caught on pilchardsand even large cockle baits.

Healthy bream are also in Email pete@!shingcharterbrokersaustralia.com the same area and many 1kg captures have been taken in the past few weeks.

Have a Photo or Fabulous Fishy Tale

Boaties

Venus Bay jetty returned a feed of nice King George Whiting for a holidaying couple.

A few nice tommies were also bagged by the novice fishermen 1 hour after sunrise with a couple of handfulls of cockles doing the damage.

Mannum Callop fishing has improved throughout the month.

Nice captures have been reported all the way up to Swan Reach.

Shrimp baits are the best and this will eliminate Carp dining on your baits.

Attention all Roxby youth. Are you bored with basketball? Ticked off with tennis? Fed up with football? Well, here is your chance to try something new.

The Roxby Downs Golf Club is holding a junior golf clinic on May 20 and if you are under 18, you are invited.

“We’re doing it to get children to come out and give golf a try,” Roxby Downs Golf Club committee member, Brenton Waye said.

“They can learn some news skills, have some fun and see if they like it.”

The junior clinic, which will be a first for Roxby Downs, will be hosted by the golf club with assistance from the Northern Golf Association.

“The Northern Golf Association has been trying to establish junior golf throughout the region,” Mr Waye said.

“The kids will be taught by our mem-

bers and we are hoping to get some trainers up from Port Augusta too.”

The clinic will be free to all participants and no experience or club membership is required.

“There will be a morning session involving some coaching, skill levels, game skills and hitting from the practice range, lunch, then the older kids will get the chance to play six or nine holes of golf with some of the members, while the younger participants take part in a mini tournament,” Mr Waye said.

Sponsorship from local businesses is being sought for the day.

For further information, to register your child’s interest, or to find out more about becoming a sponsor, contact Brenton Waye on 8671 2807 or email him at wayebc@bigpond.net.au

Youth Gambling beating the odds More than 3000 students across the state are being surveyed as part of a $45,000 research project to better understand the gambling habits and beliefs of teenagers.

High school aged students from seven schools, including two regional areas, are being surveyed this term about their gambling attitudes, beliefs and behaviours as part of a project that will strengthen work to prevent young people becoming problem gamblers.

The department of Education and Children’s services successfully applied for the research grant from

the Independent Gambling Authority.

The Youth Gambling Research project is being completed in partnership with the University of Adelaide and Unitingcare Wesley.

Gambling education policy and program officer Mrs. Ashley Burnett said the findings would improve understanding of how many young people gamble, what sort of gambling they do and how teachers can expose gambling myths in the classroom.

“For example, the study will explore the false belief among some young people that they can affect chance,

FishWatch 1800 065 023

Charter fishermen are taking advantage of an excellent start to the tuna season. Nice fish are taking whatever lures are tossed at them with bag limits steadily being attainable west of Kangaroo Is and again at The Cabbage Patch.

Backstairs Passage is serving up 20lb Snapper and the odd Nannygai for boaties with drops between KI and Cape Jervis.

such as controlling the roll of the dice,” she said.

“We want to know more about education strategies that will enable students to understand the realities of gambling.

“As a society we often address adults involvement in gambling but looking at young people is important as it will help us ‘turn off the tap’ of adolescent gamblers becoming problem gamblers as adults.

“The department contributes to students improved understanding of many social issues including problem gambling.

The results of the survey are expected in August.

This week’s puzzle answers

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www.themonitor.com.au

Behind the Famous Bottle House Opal Creek Boulevard, Andamooka & after hours by appointment

Ph: (08) 8672 7007 Fax: (08) 8672 7062 www.andamookaopal.com.au Email: peter@andamooka.au.com

> Managing Directors personal vehicle. >Truly immaculate inside & out. DVD screens in headrests. >Satellite surveillance. $54950 – no trades. >Reg no XAP711 >Never been in an accident.

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Lavrick Engineering BOC Gas and Equipment Mechanical Repairs Air-conditioning

New Car Servicing & Warranty Olympic Way OLYMPIC DAM SA 5725 Ph: 86710404 Fax: 86710418

Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843

SPORT FORUM PLANS

The Roxby Downs Sport and Recreation Forum is investigating holding a major Sports conference over two days in October this year.

The concept that is being developed includes guest speakers, including National Womens Basketball coach Jan Stirling, and a series of workshops.

The workshops would cover such aspects as Incorporation, Constitutions and meeting procedures, effective club planning, grant writing and empowering the volunteer.

The cost of the conference is expected to be about $22,500 with a fee to be levied of $100 per participant, but this could be reduced to a nominal fee by the time the conference is locked in.

At it’s monthly meeting this week, Forum Chairman, Reinhardt Viljoen said before it could be taken any further the forum would need to gauge the interest from the community as well as the sporting and community clubs.

“We need to get a feel for it, we need to find out the level of interest before we go further,” he said.

Sport and Leisure Precinct co-ordinator, Alan Male told the meeting there was no time to lose, as the momentum could be lost.

“If we don’t move on it tonight, we’ll need to push it back until next year as there’s a lot of work involved in getting this to happen.

Roxby Downs Council Administrator, Bill Boehm said the council is committed to help promote sport in the town.

“The work’s been done, the council will underwrite the cost of the conference,” he said.

“In terms of leadership, if you feel you need this, then we’ll support you.

“Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and provided you can get the support, then move ahead with it,” Mr. Boehm said.

Mr. Male said risk management is going to be a big issue especially on council owned facilities in the future, so this conference which will explore those aspects is a very timely event.

The motion to support the event and to canvas the amount of interest for the conference in Roxby Downs was passed unanimously by forum members.

It is planned to hold the conference over two days from October 25th to the 26th.

Items on the draft agenda include, Good Administration to be run by representatives from the Department of Sport and Recreation, which will also provide the leaders to discuss Succession Planning for Your Clubs’ survival.

It’ll also cover how clubs deal with conflict within their ranks as well as Risk Management and writing proposals for government grants.

The conference is planned to end with a forum on the future of Roxby Downs Recreation 2007 and beyond.

Monitor The

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Mandie Arnold

Gail Heritage

Alisa Teletovic

Manager 8671 2683

Metro Sales Manager 8248 2450

Graphics 8671 2683

info@themonitor.com.au

metro@themonitor.com.au

graphics@themonitor.com.au

Michelle Thomas Journalist 8671 2683

features@themonitor.com.au

Heather Carey

Les Rochester

sales@themonitor.com.au

editor@themonitor.com.au

Administrator 8671 2683

Managing Editor 8671 2622

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Thursday, April 19, 2007 – Page 20

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