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Volume 5, Wednesday February 4th, 2009
By Zak Zeptner
Dramatic finish to tied match
Generous is the town that gives and Roxby Downs is as generous as they come. Over the past year, Roxby Downs residents, organisations and companies have donated $434,493.66 to various charities and community organisations, illustrating just how kind-hearted this town truly is. Every individual, group, or company that graciously dug deep into their pockets and gave to another, whether it was a small or large sum, must be commended on their selessness. In a time when the global economic market has taken a turn for the worse, Roxby Downs still ďŹ nds the time to hand over whatever they can to help those less fortunate than themselves. Special mention must go to the community event of the year, The Relay for Life, which raised an amazing $64,500 to fund much needed cancer research. For only a few months of preparation and merely 20 hours of walking, the people of Roxby Downs have helped provide hope for those battling in the ďŹ ght against cancer. The Red Sands branch of the Cancer Council also had a busy year raising funds to help with cancer research, raising an outstanding $8,436.60. Events such as Pink Golf Day, Daffodil Day, Market Days and the Biggest Morning Tea all contributed to raising much needed money. Volunteers at the Red Sands Foundation also donated their own time to waitressing at the Golf Club, which earned them $400 to add to their donations. Helen Edwards, President of the Roxby Downs Red Sands Branch of the Cancer Council said, “The generosity of the town is incredible.â€? “I think the cancer council creates great interest because everyone knows someone who had or has cancer. “If it wasn’t for people donating we wouldn’t have the Red Sands Branch; it’s great to see people are contributing to helping safeguard our future health.â€? The Royal Flying Doctor Service Golf and Auction Day was another event in town that saw countless people give to a good cause. Spending $290 on a simple esky is not a normal practice, however when all proceeds are going toward supporting a service that constantly save lives, particularly the lives of those
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4th, 2008
Photograph by Nick Hayes
weather during the unusual
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“Close Olympic Dam!�
say over the proposed expansion. e Monitor, in something have any Richard Yeeles told Th take your shares and invest People communities BHP Billiton spokesperson Dam Uranium mine or to to compensate all Aboriginal extensively with aboriginal and will Mr Buzzacott “BHP Billiton consults By Zak Zeptner else‌ and are you prepared and the proposed expansion to rehabilitate that country?â€? about the existing operation activists seek the imme- around Roxby Downs boriginal and environmental Dam mine, reports from asked at the AGM. continue to do so.â€? AGM. was obvious. statement at Thursday’s diate closure of the Olympic reveal. Mr Kloppers ratiďŹ ed the The response to Mr Buzzacott to aected AGM but we are unable to agree with main aboriginal groups Thursday’s BHP Billiton has been the “We have an agreement Kloppers. “We appreciate your perspective Chief Executive Marius global resource company The multi-billion dollar claiming its operations are in violation your request‌â€? said BHP impact by the mine,â€? he said. from aspects arise not only from the alleged exempting the company the target of a series of attacks and Aboriginal heritage legislation. takeoMr Buzzacott’s statements The indenture agreement by BHP Billiton after its communities but also from of environmental protection legislation was inherited Kevin the mine is having on Aboriginal has been able to avoid. heritage Elder of Arabunna company by respected to voice his regulatory standards the The AGM was attended of the ver of WMC in 2005. to exempt the original developers three hours for his chance e Monitor: “No agreement Buzzacott, who waited Western Mining Corporation, Mr Yeeles stated to Th legislation has been sought by BHP agreement from the government opinion at the meeting. legislation in South Olympic Dam from heritage Parliament. Olympic Dam complies claiming the mine, applied for an indenture heritage Billiton, BHP of Aboriginal board SA the Dam mine, in 1982 to be exempt from RatiďŹ cation Act was Billiton or passed by The legislation.â€? Mr Buzzacott addressed investmentâ€? in the Olympiccommunity) Australian and the Roxby Downs Indenture with all applicable heritage excompany “bought a bad to us (the aboriginal not accept this as an appropriate passed by the government. stating it “should be listeningâ€? Dr Green, however, does Earth national nuclear campaigner water. the the of and Friends land the to this decide about According the mine to cuse. In the past I’ve to Recondidn’t consult with us. the Indenture Act allows sites receive and which has provided over $2 million from the “You didn’t ask us, you mining,â€? said Mr Dr Jim Green, heritage “Ironically, BHP Billiton want them to continue not relinquish its exemptions to be ‘do level of protection that Aboriginal told WMC that we didn’t appears ciliation Australia, yet will sites are recognised. mine Aboriginal Heritage Act. The company’s attitude Buzzacott. the uranium/copper outside Dam the Olympic mine as I say not as I do’,â€? he said. supported by 100 protesters expansion “The company operates Act which exempts the Mr Buzzacott, who was not relinquish an outdated Indenture they did not want the proposed laws that apply AGM the company would meeting’s venue, claimed company and shareholders to prevent in SA under and Aboriginal heritage Mr Kloppers said at the the by the agreement. from key environmentalsaid Dr Green. to proceed, pleading to the legal privileges provided else in SA,â€? certainty that BHP of the mine requires the the development. mine everywhere such as Jillian Marsh, believe “The proposed expansionprovide.â€? the Olympic Dam Uranium posMany Aboriginal activist, opinions and rights, claiming they Act can “Is it possible to close down soonest time has ignored indigenous and been left with no power to only an Indenture immediately when is the immediately, and if not mine down? Can you shareholders make Billiton against discriminated been this have shut can the Olympic sible that you right now to close down a decision in this meeting
A
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P Àrms timetable BH B
2024. Olympic Dam and by any details of the would be processed at The report did not mention concentrate. the open pit it will nium
on percent exported as Once digging commences a million tonnes twenty ore will be processed town’s expansion. subject have spoken of an adThe issue of where the which HP Billiton has set a date, digging then take 4 to 5 yearstoremoving Previous presentations the ore. school, upgraded sensitive in South Australia, jobs as a day of overburden reach as many to approvals, to commence ditional 1000 homes, expanded a 100-year project is politically the expansion to provide as early as and policing services to The open pit mine will have sporting facilities, health kilometres deep and wants for the state’s residents. an open-pit expansion month prior projects that possible and will create a hole 1.22 one 350,000 tonnes of name just few of the infrastructure February 2010 which is just to meet the The company also said that, 6.5 kilometres long. marketing the uranium copper will be processed in an expanded smelt- will be needed to be rushed forward population to the next State election. BHP has already begun 380,000 by the comgrowth to a sheets with the remaining er at Olympic Dam and China in concentrate. tonnes will be shipped to get a smelter in China,â€? “The ultimate aim is to Ogden. “It would be said BHP spokesman Peterhave a minority stake a new smelter. We would in it.â€? brieďŹ ngs the compaConsistent with previous costs of the expansion ny was tight lipped on thecould cost up to $AUD which some analysts say 30 billion dollars. the richest mines in the Olympic Dam is one of says the mine will world and a report by Deloitte product by nine percent increase the States gross
demands of the town’s fast of 8,000 residents. infrastructure Two of the most immediate a construction of projects will be the building the new airport and camp for 8000 contractors, 737’ jets and night for which will have the capacity ying. timetable and the The release of the proposed some comfort to be of company’s intentions will groups and businesses local resident’s, community their own futures. that also need to plan for
Race in the Red Alcoholics cry for help and breath, Pirie struggles for the lead, Steve George from Portthe Roxby Downs Red Dunes Triathlon. as he gives it his all in
be raised locally. We The money will have to support and are conon the extent of do not have enough data have already received strong the the local issues that we eectiveness of current ďŹ dent of raising the balance of the funds over the issues, capacity and Partnership have been discussing been very concerned with services. the Alcohol and Other weeks. A report just released by that 42 percent of all for some time and have is instigating a next fewbe contacting local businesses for ďŹ nandrinking, violence and family I will a Accordingly the Partnership to gathTreatment Services showed from 2006 to 2007 reports of under age gambling. instigate the project as research and consultation cial support so we can diďŹƒculties caused by people who sought treatment “We are aware of comprehensive we need and to have pro- matter of urgency. abuse. er the vital information Chairman Ray Goldie said needed help for alcohol we need the type of it is far broader than fessional input into the formation of the plan. of of the Salvation To tackle these grave issues Substance the issues Roxby faces and Gerard Byrne, coordinator segment approach the Alcohol and treatment program said This plan is a vitally important Army drug and alcoholseeking treatment for al- just alcohol abuse. already demonstratedâ€? and will be crucial coordinated addiction to gamAbuse Partnership has wider community plan It includes substance abuse, “the number of people had risen by 20 percent Roxby is a reection theplanning how we as a community will handle said Mr Goldie . to bling and domestic violence.around the country. of 10,000 cohol related problems and Substance Abuse right in an expanded population The members of Alcohol SA Licensing Comin the past 6 monthsâ€? in the of what is happeningpeople are crying out for these issues the increase an represents, been also Partnership people. More and more He said there had $15,000 dollars and we mission, all licensed venues, Family and Youth help, and binge drink- help and we need to be in a position to support The cost of the work is said Mr Goldie. number of women seeking Youth OďŹƒcer, Commuamong those in the early them. raised $9,000“ Forum, The Family and ing was a phenomenon Health Services, SA Alcohol and have already Government funding, We are not eligible for well o to meet the nity Board, Roxby Downs know the town needs a holistic We community that to mid 20’s age group. and issues treatment the Council the too to tackle look at Police, Roxby Downs Roxby was considered Substance Abuse Plan The report is a national criteria. users, but the issues and arise from the addictions and abuse. members. of alcoholics and drug in formu- funding bodies relevant to every city We are on our own for this. The challenge for the partnership numbers are proportionately set of issues is Roxby Downs. a plan for such a complex and town in Australia, including and Substance Abuse lating The Roxby Downs Alcohol
Les Myles and Captain Nigel Schinnick accept the 2008 premiership Ă ag and shield.
Devils delight keep Regions work smart to
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sting happens in Roxby! Who says nothing intere
10 term production and has signed US and Asia. customers in Europe, theinterest is well in excess “The aggregate market tonnage,â€? John Crofts, of the ďŹ rst phase expansioncer of BHP’s uranium the chief commercial oďŹƒ division, said yesterday. in place uranium sales He said BHP would put expansion decision, an contracts before making to capture a fair market with a pricing mechanism price at the time of delivery. issues has been One of the most contentious at Olympic Dam how much ore will be processed exported as concentrate. and how much would be percent of the uraeighty The company has said
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timeline In a release of a proposed impact statement (EIS) pany, the environmental Government before the will be presented to the to the public in April end of 2008 with a release or May 2009. of the expansion There are ďŹ ve planned stages the existing unof which the ďŹ rst is to optimise would considerably derground operations which capacity to 200,000 increase the mines production tonnes of uranium and tonnes of copper, 4,500 120,000 ounces of gold. will not have to unThe underground phasesapproval process for dertake the same onerousof the existing underthe ďŹ rst-stage expansion ground mine.
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provide a deďŹ nite ďŹ gure, it did reveal money was raised for the Catholic Mission through a pancake day, for the Australia Childhood Foundation through a childhood hero day and money has also been raised to construct a fence around the school’s perimeter. The Roxby Downs Childcare Centre was one of the organisations receiving generous donations from locals. In 2008, thanks to various community groups and businesses, the centre was donated approximately $19,250. MacMahons, Lin Andrews, ESS, Mitre 10 and BHP were only a handful of generous sponsors who donated time and money to the centre, allow for purchases such as a tumble dryer, cameras, rae prizes and air cooling systems, to name a few. The Childcare Centre has also used these fantastic donations to revamp their outdoor play area, helping to provide a safe, fun and educational environment for our children. “We are very grateful for the help given to us that will enable us to improve the learning environment for our children,â€? said Nicki Morgan. Of course, the donations given away by the people of Roxby Downs would not have been as large as they were without the support of BHP Billiton’s Matched Giving Program. Last year, BHP matched 94,000 volunteer hours and by matching charity donations, brought the total amount of money matched to $153,000. Without the kind assistance from BHP Billiton, many community groups and charitable organisations would be working with far less funding than they are, illustrating just how much BHP Billiton has done for the Community of Roxby Downs and to the country. The Monitor acknowledges the information presented in this article is only a representation of select groups who donated money in 2008. In reality, the amount the town has raised last year is more than presented here,. To those who did raise money for charities and organisations, mentioned or not, The Monitor congratulates you all for your generosity in 2008. It is outstanding to realise just how much a small community of 4,500 people can do. Thanks to the generosity of the Roxby Downs and surround communities, countless organisations, charities and groups have received much needed funding, allowing them to continue to ourish into 2009.
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living in a rural location like Roxby Downs, it does not matter. $36,000 was raised on this fantastic day from the auction alone and donations from other fundraisers enabled the Roxby Downs Flying Doctor Auxiliary to donate another $100,000 directly to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A simple task such as growing a moustache for one month does not seem like much, but in Roxy Downs $22,000 was raised to support the vital research of prostate cancer. Men gathered to celebrate ‘Movember’ where they displayed their Moustaches in a fun and carefree way, to receive prizes for their eorts, which turned a simple fundraiser into a night of excitement and celebration. The ‘From the Sports Desk’ night, which saw national sporting legends Grant Hackett, Andrew Gaze, Vicky Wilson, John Eales, Warren Tredrea and Dick Johnson visit Roxby, was a tremendous success. The event raised $17,822.11, which will be donated to the local sporting clubs around Roxby Downs. In one single night, Novita held a quiz to raise money for disabled children, collecting $5,600 in donations. Who would have though gathering a group of friends to answer a few questions and down a few drinks could lead to funding vital research and much needed equipment and assistance to children whose lives were altered by disabilities? A school is a place of learning and what better way to teach students kindness and generosity than by hosting fundraisers for less fortunate people. In 2008, Roxby Downs Area School managed to raise an incredible $8,384.95 through various events and activities for a range of charities and organisations that so desperately need funding. The Salvation Army, Heart Foundation, Royal Elizabeth Hospital and cancer foundation were just some of the organisations that received funding from our giving children. Through fun activities such as casual clothes days, discos, sausage sizzles and Pajama days, the students of Roxby Downs Area School not only added excitement to the monotony of study but learnt of the rewards of giving. Saint Barbara’s Parish School was also busy last year raising money for various charities and for the upgrading of the school’s facilities. While the school was unable to
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seeking Sales oer should consider Share Buyback Free Share advice from a qualiďŹ ed ASIC banned similar company ruling in 2007 independent ďŹ nancial making any decision.
and lost has been One such shareholder Free Share Sales Pty Ltd she BHPB shares he would have Hassle Fee Share Sales that while he was aware or any of the other companies the scam last week saying and what the company same offers for Wesfarmers shares and also rent share value. by BHP Billitoners for in the past. of the value of his shares was trying to do, other Woodside Petroleum and are not endorsed information on Hashas made o Anyone wanting more unsolicited oer or these oers should Hassle Free Share Sales Ltd’s to the acceptance the companies concerned. Shareholders who receive any oer and sle Free Share Sales Pty for shares refer to ASIC’s investors might simply respond and Investment Com- know that they don’t have to accept lapse. all the details. other unsolicited oers The Australian Securities er will do.gov.au form without checking by some of the share- mission, the corporate watchdog, is apparently by ignoring the letters the o website for guidance. www.ďŹ The letters being received by the Hassle “FIDOâ€? of shares owned oers if the share values Anyone who may be tempted powerless to ban such holders indicates the number the oer to buy them are clearly disclosed. by the person and makes recognising the fact the at $17.63, even though
families
NT, and Queensland, Western Australia, the mining industries in charter serve between in a local mine at Loxton. the viability of an on demand ComOďŹƒcer with the Riverland regional to investigate Adelaide. Ms J Holland Arts, Tourism and Bay Theresa Anderson Development are we starting to achieve and a number of neighbouring and Streaky Corporation said “not only in every case the families industry to Streaky Bay Over the past few months cer with Country Arts SA to the Far North’s mining for our people, munity Development OďŹƒ early stages for the Air Services Planning Development “ centres have been looking our goal of obtaining work labour forces. “this is very in their traditional home.service beagricultural Council saidhave been given a mandate by council to investigate air place their skilled but underemployed have stayed in the Riverland of the drought on our who prospect of a chartered service. The ďŹ ndings of ’ at this As the forecasted impact regions are faced with real prospect Group When asked about the of an on demand charterconsideration. “ Dam Ms Anderson saidwho are in industries the possibility the Riverland and Olympic to council for industries becomes a reality move the ďŹ nd a new start the group will be referred proposed to be open to the whole com- tweenit is a matter of building a critical mass of workers of losing workers as they to stage a dedicated coach service and career prospects. Such a service although and for workers from the region In the future it could mean that oer attractive employment of the lure of the employmentabout munity would provide the potentialpossible link with the Wudinna commuting. service.â€? towns have concerned The regions are well aware ights or or a charter initiatives some regional the mining sector and areentire families as link with Olympic Dam  career opportunities in In a reversal of the above workers and their families already workforce but also mine charter services direct. Riverland Development Corporation inlure to to their move attempting not only losing their skilled boom. and out been change of the mining Earlier this year the Downs to make a lifestyle force to commute in and they migrate to take advantageare developing strategies that will to Olympic Dam to work. the potential for its work initiative living in Roxby of the mining vestigated destinations. While still in its early stages thethe region rural townships and commute back of small network of on deAs a consequence regions to drive or y in and out a network of mining success. Workers from encourage local workers to live in their home town. In the future we may seeying in and out of small regional towns at Prominent so far met with considerable destinations but continue we have seen the commencement of has gained permanent employment in the Far North employment mand air charter services  mine workers. workers gaining (using An- have the demand of commuting In the past few weeks direct to Olympic Damthe Streaky Hill and Roxby Downs with other found work in to satisfy In addition others have from charted ights from Wudinna a recent announcement Planning Group during shut down periods. damooka airport) and Services Air an formed Bay Council that they have
Oil shale found
Drillers at work near Coober
Pedy have found traces
that could produce synthetic
crude oil or gas.
of the target area, all encountered
T
Roxby Hour
Glass Jewellers
2008
Coober Pedy hopes are high
ers after share price at the time Group from making o name could mislead professional advisor before of BHP actual BHP to read the documentathat the company’s actual then that new oers They are also advised current market price and $37.15. OXBY DOWNS owners by opportunists like revealed targeted by carefully, check the These unsolicited oers Ltd. are not new and shareholders. It was Billiton shares are being to buy their Free Share Sales, a sepa- tion all other options available. Pty. could be made by Hassle check Hassle Free Share Sales an opportunist company companies operating rate company but with a common director. man responded to the there are a number of other Had the Roxby Down’s portfolio of the company Hassle shares at half their value. ways. Ms Suzane Forster owns is not associated with Hassle Free oer for his particular alerted The Monitor to in similar $421,600 on curmaking the
R
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Kyle Vander Kuyp and
Robbie Crowther with the
Roxby Downs Olympic
Torch
Olympics - Roxby style
Olympic Ambassadors
this the metal for medals for of the spirit BHP Billiton proudly supplied and in keeping with the Downs last year’s Beijing Olympics Sports Day at Roxby games, hosted an Olympic Downs, St. Barbara’s, Woomera and all Friday. Students from Roxby took part in the fun day and Andamooka schools medals for their efforts. received commemorative SEE STORY PAGE 16
to C31 hydrocarbon abundances. a a value of 19.9% for C15 to dierentiate between a cut-o value of 5% is used this sample
“Typically, portion rock, so traverse in the northern of between 20 and 30 metres thickness. rock and an oil prone source he said. returned gas prone source deposit in the remote deserts organic mudstones potential for oil generation,� one hole initially test sampled, he prospect of an oil shale announced by Perth-based black per has extremely goodmg/g (10.6 kg/tonne) of volatile hydrocarbons Assay results from the 118 litres of hydrocarbons through “It yielded 10.6 of South Australia has been Limited. hydrocarbons released the equivalent of approximately mg/g (95.4 kg/tonne) of of 106 kg/tonne. Resources yield early days yet,� and 95.4
explorer, Tasman the potenlast week it had identiďŹ edthat can be Tasman (ASX: “TASâ€?) said oil – organic-rich sediments tial for a deposit of shale crude oil or gas – while drilling for coal used to produce syntheticGarford Project, 80 kilometres southwest and other minerals at its could of Coober Pedy. the target organic rich sediments depths Early drill work suggests in length and are at shallow stretch as much as 40 kilometres 15 metres. thickof between just seven and encountered signiďŹ cant At least 22 of the 33 drillholes the organic rich mudstones. nesses (7-30 metres) of eight holes along a ďŹ ve and a half kilometre Within this drill grid,
tonne. a total it is very other oil thermal cracking – for today. to those derived from “While the results are encouraging, Mr Greg Solomon, said “These values are comparable â€? he said. work Tasman’s Executive Chairman, an immediate follow-up holes shale deposits such as Nunavut in Canada, will lead into eventual extensive “We will, however, commence and analysis of the existing if the overall vol“The follow-up work program program involving sampling of each hole to determine Mr Solomon said. drilling hydrocarbon analysis capacity are potentially economic.â€? drilled in the ďŹ rst pass,â€? some further broad-spaced experience and oil-generating an international expert with data from “Tasman will also undertake and thickness of the organic rich ume Tasman plans to contract existing to determine the distribution to review the Company’s gas in oil shale depositson future courses of test work. mudstones.â€? advise process known as pyrolysis returning Garford and Mr Solomon said an analytical used to test the ďŹ rst sample, chromatography had been
Make it a date for the
Roxby Cup - August 9th