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Volume 7, Wednesday February 10, 2010

Hey

Children

Big Day

Page 3

Page 6

Page 8

should be immunised for school

Mum I’m going to the UK

Arm wrestle for trade . . .

Out for locals

Tough time for businesses R

By Celeste Lustosa

oxby Central and Tutop Plaza both contain a variety of shopping services in Roxby Downs. But when does the competition between retailers from these shops go from healthy to destructive?

There have been recent changes in the business scenario of the town and difficult questions remain unanswered: why are shops like the photo shop closing down and can this town support two bakeries, four financial institutions, and several places selling pizzas etc.?

Competition is a contest between individuals, groups, nations, animals, etc. for territory, a niche, or a location of resources. It arises whenever two or more parties strive for a goal which cannot be shared. So is there a market for everyone to prosper in Roxby Downs?

What’s to blame when shops close down – unfair competition, lack of local support, service or other mitigating circumstances?

According to Leigh Malcolm, Roxby Central Traders president, competition is a good thing and it is happening strongly in Roxby Downs.

“We understand that there’s a bakery at Tutop Street but there isn’t any in the shopping centre, so I don’t see why not have one here?” Leigh said.

The Shopping Centre owners have no control on what is going on at Tutop Plaza and the same happens in reverse, but that can be very problematic in a town this size where only a couple of blocks separate both complexes.

“These are two independent shopping areas.”

Leigh says every businesses owner has to make sure they have in their lease contract that other shops are not going to be in the same business as you and sell the same type of product.

“Each contract is unique and my advice is that people protect themselves and make sure they are not going to have other shops doubling up your products,” he said.

“Normal competition is good, but unfortunately some people cross the line and is not a good thing for customers and retailers.

“My point is that the ideal for this town is to have one shopping centre for retailers and let the shopping management control the mix of shops.

We don’t want two shopping centres, we want one strong one.”

Leigh believes that if another shopping centre is created as a result of BHP’s expansion, it will be very bad for business.

“We have submitted in the EIS that we want a stronger shopping centre for Roxby and not a new one being created, doubling up the shops. It would definitely destroy many businesses.”

He also says times are tougher than ever for businesses in Roxby as the town suffers from the Clark shaft shut down at Olympic Dam and the Global Financial Crisis.

“At the moment, with the Clark shaft and GFC businesses had a down turn and a lot of businesses are having a tough time. I believe people should buy local and support the community instead of spending so much money out of town.”

According to Roxby Central Traders, internet shopping remains the biggest competition for retailers here and if people don’t shop locally they might end up with having even less options of shops to go to.

But people respond saying that there are no options available in town and customer service should be much better.

One reader of The Monitor said she tried to shop in town but couldn’t find things her size. Other readers have written to the newspaper complaining about some customer service provided by local shops.

It is a fact that competition may give incentives for self-improvement but can two bakeries or other similar businesses; just a few blocks apart survive in a town with Roxby’s peculiarities?

Only time will tell.

“...the ideal for this town is to have one shopping centre...”

but competition is good . . .

Business owners in Roxby Downs Darren Pedler and Leigh Malcolm haveshops in Roxby Central and say healthy competition is good.

NEWS

Proactive new managing duo takes the Tavern by storm

By Millie Thomas Matt Dawe and Lisa Harding arrived in Roxby last Monday night to a team of staff full of anticipation, excitement and perhaps a slightly sceptical attitude.

After going through three managers in the last three years, what’s to say this manager won’t be the same as all the rest, and why the constant change in management?

Matt, who has taken up the position of manager and his partner Lisa, who has taken the role of assistant manager, bring with them years of hospitality and managing experience, and a fresh new outlook on the social centre of the town.

Lisa has basically worked in hospitality her whole working career, save a couple of years spent working at NAB, and has worked in every area possible within the pub. A good background of experience

both in banking and hospitality is an ideal match, and the fact that Lisa has worked up from waitressing to management is both a realistic goal for those working in hospitality and a tribute to her work ethic.

Matt, who did a direct swap with the previous Tavern manager in Roxby from the Woodcroft Tavern, has brought some basic, but brilliant ideas with him to bring in more clientele to the Tav. He has ideas for advertisements both for the Tavern and the Oasis and themed night ideas such as a Mexican night in which the staff and the premise will be decked out with decorations and drinks and meal specials will feature.

There is more talk of renovations to the smoking, pokies and children’s areas (a well needed afterthought to the design of the building) and more entertainment

WEATHER conditions

FROM WED 10 FEBRUARY TO SUN 14 FEBRUARY

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ROXBY DOWNS

27/28 27/38 22/35 23/38 24/38

PORT AUGUSTA

26/40 22/36 21/33 21/36 21/36

COOBER PEDY

28/39 27/38 25/38 25/40 26/34

LEIGH CREEK

24/36 25/35 23/33 23/34 24/36

ADELAIDE

23/34 17/23 17/25 16/29 18/27

Page 2 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

options both in the kids’ room and the front bar.

Matt and Lisa have brought their daughter with them. Matt says “She is going to school at RDAS and loves it.

It is better than the school she came from, and has lots of facilities.” An obvious family man himself, Matt is trying to bring more families to the tavern, hence the numerous, drastic changes. “If you’re getting kids into the pub, you’re doing a good job” Matt, a qualified diesel mechanic by trade, has had six years experience in the hospitality industry, with a total of about 18 months of managerial experience. “I started working in the bottle shop and worked my way up from there.”

In the front bar, the idea is to ramp things up a bit, give the locals a reason for going to the Tav, and not only because it has the only TAB facilities in town. Drinks specials and happy hours will be a regular occasion, real cocktails of the month (not just the slushie machine) and hopefully extending the range that’s already on offer to include more exotic drinks such as the infamous “Jaagerbomb”.

Bands will frequent more at the Tav, and a new menu for both the Oasis and the Bistro bar are being created, the

Matt and Lisa are keen to make their mark on the Tavern Oasis menu having started on Monday and the Bistro menu should be finished in about a month. The place is undergoing an overhaul, and while still staying under budget, there will be quite a bit of money spent on the Tav this year.

All in all, Matt and Lisa are quite happy with Roxby and what they have seen so far. “(Our) contract is for twelve months, but they’ve already offered an extension… and we might take it...You’ll definitely see us around town.”

Busy week for police This week numerous people have been issued with expiation notices relating to assorted offences including, breaching conditions of their driver’s licence, travelling with part of body outside the vehicle, make unnecessary noise when driving vehicle.

A male was reported for failing to truly answer after it was reported that his vehicle was being driven on a road with a person riding on the bonnet of the vehicle.

He will appear in the Roxby Downs Magistrate’s Court at a later date.

On Thursday February 4, a male person was arrested for assaulting a family member. He was charged at the Roxby Downs police station and bailed to appear at the Roxby Downs Magistrate’s court at a later date.

Also on Thursday, February 4, a female was arrested for a giving false name and address and driving unregistered and uninsured. She was bailed and will appear in the Roxby Downs Magistrate’s court at a later date.

On Friday, February 5 a male at Andamooka was reported for possessing dangerous article and possessing a prohibited weapon when a cross bow and other items were found in his vehicle.

Another male was issued with a general expiation notice for drug possession.

In the early hours of Saturday, February 6 a silver Mitsubishi sedan collided with a tree on Alberrie Street, both occupants were taken to the Roxby Downs hospital by ambulance with minor

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injuries. Roxby Downs CFS attended and secured the scene. Investigations are ongoing in relation to the collision, any persons who may have witnessed the collision are asked to contact the Roxby Downs police station on 86710370.

At about 1.30am on Sunday, February 7 a male was assaulted outside the Roxby Downs Club. He was taken to the Roxby Downs hospital for treatment. Two males were arrested for aggravated assault causing harm and were charged and bailed to appear in the Roxby Downs Magistrate’s court at a later date. Any persons with information in relation to the incident are asked to contact the Roxby Downs police station on 86710370.

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NEWS

“Hey Mum, I’m going to the UK!”

Millie Thomas

I

t’s the land of Harry Potter, David Beckham and Lily Allen. The home of the Royal Family, Hugh Grant and Kate Moss. Sophie Dahl and the Spice Girls, the Arctic Monkeys and Sir Richard Branson and so on and so forth.

Haley Mundy, 19, has lived in Roxby for the past eight months and is a well recognised part of our community.

She started working at Pulse Fitness, employed strictly as a level three gym instructor and has since become a lifeguard, a duty manager, worked in the kiosk and basically everywhere within the Leisure Centre except the Dunes Café.

Having conquered the ins and outs of the Leisure Centre, Haley was bored. The challenge had gone, she’d successfully become an active part of the Roxby Downs social scene, exceeded above and beyond the expectations of her job description and was left twiddling her thumbs.

It was spontaneous booking of flights and browsing on the internet that instigated a two year working Visa in the UK. She was successful in applying for a job as a nanny to three young boys in a well off neighbourhood in Swiss Cottage, twenty minutes out of London.

She then called her Mum! The job is Monday to Friday, caring for three boys under five, the youngest being just seven weeks old. All accommodation and food is provided free of charge, plus the wage of $498 per week, basically spending money for that weekend!

The single mother who Haley will be working for runs her own business from home, so Haley will simply have to take the children with her as she does a touch of site seeing in London. “I’ve got every weekend off so I could travel there (to Paris) Friday night and come back Sunday night. I would see so much in that weekend,” said Haley.

She leaves for Singapore on March 16, and arrives in London on March 18. When applying for the job she was strictly informed “If you’re not willing to travel to Canada and Italy on a regular basis, please do not apply”.

What terrible working conditions for a young girl from the outback of Australia!

The websites Haley applied through gave numerous options of which type of family she could work for. She

could choose between a broken or whole family, single parenting, disabled children, the number of children, boys or girls etc. All of the families who are part of the program are above a certain bar of socio economic status, so there is no chance of ending up in the slums with no way out.

Both the family and the applicant must go through police checks, the children must have psychological analysis tests done (so they don’t drive Haley crazy).

Haley applied through JCR (a childcare agency) and Fast Track UK. Fast Track will set you up with the basics before you set foot in the desired destination such as a bank account, a phone, a job etc. They will provide a safe atmosphere for the applicant to travel, live and work within.

A potentially successful applicant does not need to be certified in any area of child care, as their position description is “Mother’s Helper”. However, Haley did complete a sort of “bridging course”, which is not a recognised program, but will help to prepare her for the onslaught of three under fives.

To apply for a position as a Nanny on these websites, the basic pre requisite is a total of £1600 (or $3000). The flights are all paid for (however, Haley got a little over excited and booked her flights in advance) and the process is relatively easy, provided you have all the paperwork sorted out.

“The hardest part is to get all of the paperwork perfect. All bank statements need to have your full name printed (not initialled), police checks take ages to come through. I got declined the first time I applied because my passport doesn’t have my middle name printed on it,” she explained.

Haley has never been overseas before and has no personal contacts over there. She is travelling by herself and submerging herself into complete and absolute unknown territory. She said she will most likely get a second job in a bar over the weekends, in order to meet people her own age. “I haven’t really thought about missing my friends and family yet. It hasn’t sunk in. The hardest thing will be if there is a tragedy within the family, it will cost so much and take so long to get home.”

She plans to stay over there until the 2012 Olympics in London, and will then come home to Roxby, and endeavour to find some work in the mines, and settle back into normal everyday life in South Australia.

Whether she actually decides to come back in 24 months time is another story.

Cooking for a cause The tempting aroma of freshly cooked pancakes will fill the suburbs and towns of South Australia in a week as groups across the state don their aprons, dust off their frypans and get flipping for a great cause at UnitingCare’s eighth annual Pancake Day. This year, Pancake Day officially falls on Tuesday, February 16, - but rest assured, events can be held anytime during the month of February.

Last year, more than 450 groups registered to take part and more than $62,000 was raised for local UnitingCare agencies.

“We’re hoping for similar numbers again this year. The funds are needed more than ever with many people struggling to make ends meet,” said Michaela Tiller, UnitingCare SA Executive Officer.

“Donations and funds raised will help local UnitingCare agencies give

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hope to people in need including those without a home, people living with disabilities, vulnerable children and adults, older people and families in crisis,” said Michaela.

To register to hold an event call 1800 060 543 or visit www.sa.uca.org. au/goto/pancake_day. All groups will be provided with an event host pack DVD to assist with event planning as well as promotional materials like posters and balloons. www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 3

COMMUNITY

Roxby RoadSaf e needs you!

Roxby Road for our comm Safe has done a lot here were a to educate driver unity so far, but to road deaths intal of 1,509 and residents ofs isRoa non-stop task xby Downs ar Australia urged to pa e in 2 0 0 9 rticipat in a Ro adSafe December. Therto th e e n d o f meeting to take pleac e e at w ere 124 road C ou nc il O ff ic e Roxb deaths during b oa rd ro om y December 2009 Th ur sd ay, Fe on br alone! ua ry 11 , at 5. 30 pm.

So in a plac The Dep where people e like Roxby Downs Energy and ar tment for Transpor t, of Infrastructure te n hi t th e ro a weekend, ho w can you everad for Community Road Safety provides safe? with supfeel port, advice, as How can Ro priorities and sistance in setting ad th Safe make th ey community sa e bringing together can also assist in fer? key stakeholde RoadSafe deve such as the En rs munity road sa lops local com- ture (DTEI), ergy and Infrastrucam fe ty bu in lance, emerge itiatives that cy serv suppor t State nices ment program and Local Govern- and local go, South Australia Police s. vernment. drink driving, These may target Annual road users, yospeed, fatigue, older each commfunding is available to un unity road safe g dr ivers, pedes- from trian safety, an ty group the G safety for childd bicycle safety, road ing is only overnment. This fundap use, motorcycl ren, child restraint road safety plicable to community ist safety and ve grou safety. hicle Councils also ps. ha po rt ant role in Co ve a very imCommunity Ro ad Sa Sa fety groups, fety by suppor mmunity Road such as Roxby tin veloped as pa RoadSafe, have de - community road sa g the concept of values local knrt of an initiative that ing some adminis fety and providtrative suppor and concern owledge, expertise for the group if need t ed.

Roxby RoadSa ro ad us er s infor safer roads and fe ha re s gi al w on al area s of vided many South Australia community edays pro. activities, subm ucation A total of 35 gr vertisements, itting ar ticles, adoups have co menced and sc hool newsl m- gi road safety th their influence on Thving interviews to radio etters, ro and at e ug M h on lo ito ca r ab l projects and activities ty issues and m out local road safelocal communand involvement of uc h more. revealing grea ity organisations is fe Too many people have be commitment t energy and strong m cted by road accidents anen afsafer, for us al in making our roads w any more decide not play d still l. it safe hen it comes But mak in walking on th to driving, riding or part of everyog our roads safer is e ro ads. only when it cone’s responsibility, no heHow about doing your m lp es ou to r ac co tu mmunity? Co part to ally driving safely, but me along to getting involvalso when it comes to an the meeting, present your helping thingsed, giving ideas and m d help spread the messa ideas ge that happen. any lives can ing the right thbe protected by doing on the road .

T

Surviving a motor vehicle accident – every second counts

T

he alarming national road toll over the Christmas break is a bleak reminder of the dangers of road travel.

With over half of all road victims dying in the first minutes after a crash before the arrival of emergency services, Red Cross is urging people to learn basic first aid skills that may save a life on our roads this Summer.

Red Cross First Aid General Manager Virginia Leafe, said: “Simple steps can save lives in an emergency. First aid is crucial in the minutes following an accident and we strongly encourage drivers, passengers and pedestrians to be aware of some simple basic techniques.”

“The most important thing you can do is to keep calm and act quickly, surveying the scene to make the crash site safe and protected. Check the casualties for signs of life, check their breathing , make sure their airway is clear and then call for help. Time and basic knowledge is imperative to survival.”

Up to 85% of preventable pre-hospital deaths may be due to airway obstruction and occur before the arrival of emergency services.

Th re e a c t i o n s t h a t co u l d s ave t h e l i fe of a motor vehicle casualty this Summer: Keep a person’s airway open and clear – with many fatalities occuring due to suffocation, it is vital to check for any loose or obstructive objects that may hamper breathing.

Make sure that they are breathing – tilt the head back to check breathing, if you cannot detect breath, commence CPR. Stop heavy bleeding – Loss of blood through an arterial bleed is another common cause of death. Locate the source of the bleeding and apply pressure using whatever clean cloth is available.

Red Cross is a leading provider of a range of products and accredited first aid courses and aims to introduce First Aid skills into every Australian household.

For more information visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.au/firstaid.

An initiative of the Environment Forum

G reen tip

Saving water in the kitchen: - Hand wash dishes instead of using the dishwasher – and only wash once a day, or every second day rather than doing multiple small washes.

- Don’t rinse dishes under a running tap – use a filled bowl or a second sink.

- If you use a dishwasher, stack it efficiently and only turn it on when it’s full.

- If your dishwasher has an eco function – use it.

Page 4 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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By Celeste Lu stosa

Letter gives new leads to cold case

South Australian police say they have a fresh lead on a Coober Pedy teenager’s disappearance 20 years ago.

Major Crime investigators have received an anonymous letter they hope will throw more light on Karen Williams’s disappearance.

The 16-year-old was reported missing in August 1990 when she failed to return home from a disco at the Coober Pedy Hotel.

Detec tive I nspec tor Denise Gray says the letter giving new information on Miss William’s disappearance will be investigated.

“I’m hoping that the person that provided the letter will come forward and give us some more information,” she said.

“The details are quite scant and the more information we have relative to it would assist us and I would ask for anybody with any information come forward.”

She says police are working with the family.

“The loss of a child is devastating for anyone and even though it’s 20 years ago I don’t imagine that pain would dull too much,” she said.

“But bits and pieces come in all the time that we’re hoping one day we will provide a solution to the disappearance.”

MEETING DATES

RoadSafe Forum, Feb 11 - 5.30 pm - Culture Forum, Feb 17, 7.30pm

GENERAL INFORMATION BOARD MEETINGS

If you would like to do a presentation to the Community Board please contact Michelle Hales to organise a date and time to be placed on the agenda. Requests close on the Wednesday prior to the Board meeting. Board meetings usually take place on the last Monday of the month.

JOINING FORUMS

Members of the community are encouraged to join any of the forums or partnerships. If you would like to join the Arts and Culture Forum, Education and Workplace Training Forum, Family and Youth Forum, Environment Forum, Sport and Recreation Forum or Volunteering Partnership you are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Meeting times appear in The Monitor on a regular basis.

If you would like to join the Health Forum and/or Alcohol and Substance Abuse Partnership please contact Michelle Hales on 0418 833 818 or via email to: halesm@roxbycouncil. com.au to express your interest.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to find out more about any of the forums visit the www.roxbydowns.com website or contact Michelle Hales - Executive Officer Roxby Downs Community Board Inc. Mobile: 0418 833 818 Phone: 8671 0010 Fax: 8671 0452 Email: halesm@roxbycouncil.com.au THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Who is in charge of the Municipal Services at Andamooka?

O

NEWS

By Celeste Lustosa

ACDT (Outback Areas Community Development Trust) is in the process of transitioning all the municipal services from APOMA to the Trust (or Outback Communities Authority as it will be known as from July 1, 2010).

“The municipal assets that normally a Council would look after shouldn’t be managed by APOMA, but by the local government.

“We are looking forward to transferring many of our tasks to the OACDT to handle, so we can go back doing what we were originally set out to do,” said APOMA’s Chairperson Peter Allen.

He also said that APOMA has been working closely with the Government in order to have a smooth transit period for the town.

The services to be transferred include management of the rubbish tip, cemetery, parks and gardens, town maintenance, noxious weed control, feral animal control, local road maintenance and the standpipe management system that dispenses water for the township.

“All of these services have been transitioned to the trust with the exception of the standpipe management system for the water,” according to the Community Manager, Bob Jacobs.

A new standpipe management system is on order and is expected to be delivered in the next 14 days.

“Once this has been installed and working, dispensing

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Community Manager Bob Jacobs with APOMA Chairman Peter Allen at a recent handover of delegated authorities. of water will be transitioned to OACDT”, Mr Jacobs told The Monitor.

Water is purchased from the standpipe by contractors who deliver to resident’s water tanks in the township and they are responsible for collecting payments from their customers.

Mr Jacobs also said, “The contractors will be invoiced for the water they take from the standpipe and smaller users will be able to use a pre-paid key to access the standpipe for their water if they wish to pickup rather than use a contractor to deliver.”

APOMA has so far provided over 2500 hours of volunteer work for Andamooka, just in the last financial year.

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Busy start for St Barb’s

By Millie Thomas School has begun once again for the St. Barbara’s Parish School, and the year is already a flutter with activities.

It will be a busy term for the students with the Christian social calendar chockers already.

Friday last week, the children held a fete in order to raise money for the Haiti crisis. This is the second week in a row the school has donated their time to raising money for the people of Haiti.

Week four brings Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, a good excuse to put away some carbs before fasting the 40 long days of Lent.

The term will end the day before Good Friday, and on that day the children will perform a rendition of the story of Easter.

Hide your chocolates, your Lindt and your Haigh’s, as come February 16 the children will demolish the first Caramello Koalas that cross their paths.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 5

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Immunisation in 2010 . . .

Four year olds need vaccinations

By Millie Thomas Parents of children starting kindergarten and school this year are being encouraged by the Flinders Far North division of general practice to ensure that four year old vaccinations are up to date.

The four year old vaccinations protect children from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, mumps, measles and rubella which are commonly forgotten.

“In the community where there is a lack of disease it is very common for people to get complacent and the immunisation rates for these diseases drop, which is very worrying,”said Dr Manoj George, Medical Director of the Flinders & Far North division of general practice.

These diseases are painful and in some cases can lead to death and permanent disability.

Last year the rates of four year old immunisation significantly dropped leaving thousands of children exposed to the threat of preventable disease.

“With the outbreak of whooping cough last year general practices within the area kept seeing young children with it, when it could have been preventable through vaccination. This year the threat of whooping cough is still very real as is Pandemic H1N1 2009 (Swine Flu) and parents are encouraged to speak with their local general practice about immunising their children as they return to Kindy and school.

“Getting children immunised against swine flu in particular is something we encourage as we are anticipating a second wave of influenza starting as early as February. The vaccine for all children over the age of six months is now available,” said Dr George. He also said that immunisation plays an important role in protecting the health of individuals and the entire community. Completing the childhood immunisation program will ensure all children in the Flinders and Far North division are protected.

Last year in Roxby Downs, the H1N1 pandemic swept over Roxby Downs like a plague and saw people all over town and site drop like flies.

Any sign of a cough had employees sent off site and straight to the doctor. The doctor’s surgeries provided small free care packages for people who suspected they may be coming down with the disease and since the

arrival of the disease and the end of the flu season, an immunisation against the flu has been released and was administered on site and throughout the community (via the hospital and Dr Lockwood’s

surgery).

There was talk of mass deaths and the pandemic was compared to the monstrosity that was the Bubonic Plague (circa 1340s).

Worldwide over 14,000 people died from swine flu

last year which illustrates just how important immunisation can be.

As your children take the next step into schooling and education, it is imperative they are immunised against diseases.

Health choices for young people at Area School

Petra Noble and Dr. Andy Kilcross with senior Area School students Belinda, Jody and Skye

Page 6 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

www.themonitor.com.au

By Celeste Lustosa This year Roxby Downs Area School is working on a new project called FliipSyde Youth Health Service, which will have positive benefits for the health of teenage students.

FliipSyde is a Health Service specifically designed for teenagers and it has been set up by the community in consultation with RDAS, Roxby Downs Health Services and Youth Health Clinic in Port Augusta, called Your Space.

The new project aims to offer teenagers from 12 to 19 years of age places where they can access free and confidential information about their health.

FliipSyde will run Youth Health Clinics on Thursdays, staffed by a local Community Health Nurse and a visiting GP from Port Augusta.

In order to get students knowing more about this project, there was a FliipSyde information session following the year 6-12 Assembly at the Auditorium last week, hosted by Dr Andy Killcross and Community Health Nurse Petra Noble.

According to Area School, they want to offer a friendly, trusted and approachable environment where teenagers can access information about a wide range of health issues, such as feeling sad, angry, stressed or worried, as well as information about drugs, alcohol and sexual health information.

The project will also provide information about common adolescent issues like acne, period problems, growing up or anything to do with the wellbeing of a teenager.

RDAS students Jody Luscombe and Skye Kelly were fully involved in the project and hope all students come on board.

Belinda Ramsey from RDAS says the school is very happy with the project.

“Our students will be able to access up-to-date and acquired information about health issues,” Belinda said.

She also added that the school is happy to support parents and families when it comes to mental or physical health issues as well as academic matters.

Dr Killcross is also very enthusiastic about FliipSyde.

“This project has been working pretty well in Port Augusta with a good reputation on being approachable and trustworthy and we hope students from Roxby Downs embrace it too.

“It was crucial to have the students involved in the project, so we can deliver what the young people are looking for,” Dr Killcross told The Monitor.

Another important aspect of this program is its confidentiality, as research shows that many young people refuse to access health services because of concerns over privacy.

In order for RDAS students to access the FliipSyde services parents or caregivers needed to provide consent at the beginning of the year.

“We are getting parents consents so the students can come to the clinics and we encourage them to talk to their family about any issues they have but at the end of the day they have the right to access information about their health in private.”

All students who access the service will be bulk billed and therefore can access the service for free but according to Dr Killcross “for this service to succeed in a long term, people need to use it so we are able to achieve funding for the next years”.

It is extremely important for parents and caregivers to know that they are more than welcome to visit the FliipSyde Youth Health Clinics. Parents ar e also encouraged to attend appointments if that is what their young person wants.

Dr Killcross goes on to say “Whilst we can’t divulge what young persons have come to see us about due to confidentiality, we are more than happy for them to have a chat about general youth health issues and look around the clinic.”

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OPINION

TEXT TALK

TEX T Y OUR COMM E N TS T O THE ED ITOR O N

0408 267 358

Last week’s Hot Topic: “Do you think the My School website is worthwhile in assessing schools?”

Schools are assessed in many ways but it is wise to remember kids are very different in what and how they learn. I think the website is a giant waste of Government money and would be better spent on putting more effort into teacher training and support.

GD, Roxby.

A smart student – roxby downs: hahahahaha.

The myschool website is a joke, a trap layed by the federal government to guilt state governments into spending money in education, but instead it’s just made blue collar, low educated people attack local schools. If your kid doesn’t want to learn, they won’t.

End of story. Teacher involvement only accounts for a small percentage of a student’s grades. Scientifically proven.

SM, Roxby

EDITORIAL At the moment Roxby and number of other rural and regional towns are experiencing tougher times in their central business districts. Empty shops and fewer services are bleak reminders that not everything is back to normal after the global financial crisis.

Spare a thought for retailers and business owners who have often put in their life savings to become self employed and provide towns like Roxby with a variety of product.

While there might appear to be a bit of diversity going on within businesses, no one here can really point the finger at anyone else.

The problem doesn’t lay with the local business owners, the ones responsible for this drain on trade are the duopoly of Woolworths and Coles. Not content to trade in their core businesses they have expanded over the years to cover almost everything from the butcher, the baker, liquor and fuel to mention just a few.

The Federal Government, past and present

What’s fair competition? have constantly said that Australia’s small business sector is the major employer and the back bone of the nation, yet fail to back it up through the ACCC’s apparent blindness to the damage done by this duopoly.

Some may have even noticed small things like photographic paper, now packaged and sold under the Woolworths own brand. Another case of killing the competition like the small photo shops in the process.

Once paper products like copy paper were sold almost exclusively by newsagents or office supply businesses, now they struggle to even buy the product at what the big two are selling them for. And now throw in the Post Offices who sell almost everything that computer shops and stationers once supplied.

Who can really compete with a government owned corporation like Australia Post and the big two? The ACCC and the Federal Government think we can, but in reality it is taking a serious toll on small business in this country. Take a walk down the street in

a place like Whyalla or many of the Riverland towns, empty shops everywhere.

In an ideal world if everyone concentrated on their core business, groceries, fuel or liquor there would be enough for everyone to survive in the harsh world of small enterprise.

The same can also be related to the horticultural industries where multi nationals, big wine companies and managed investment funds have forced the smaller, efficient grower off the land.

The ACCC with the backing of the government could right this wrong, so why doesn’t it?

When next you are in the market for something new, just remember buying out of town is very often a false economy and if you ever need after sales service – good luck! Local businesses deserve our support and it is worth noting that every dollar spent here benefits another local in some way, either through more trade, more employment or more services.

Schools and teachers must learn to live with assessments. Everyone else has a boss to answer to and if they are not up to the task they are told. Why not schools? Parents should know if their kids are not getting the right education.

Local parent.

My School site is nothing really. What does it say about our schools and how they are operated? NOT MUCH. Joe. Kids hate exams and the National test is not a fair indication of what they are doing at school. Give me the money the Govt. wastes on these projects and I will use it better in educating my kids.

Show me the Money! Roxby Went to book my child into kid’s club so I could go to the gym to try and get fit but couldn’t get in because all the positions were taken up by mums in the café come on Roxby Leisure. What’s more important, national obesity or Mums sitting there drinking coffee and eating cake? Who are your facilities really benefitting?

Frustrated An African USA president who visits oz should see the real oz not commercial central Sydney!

Stuart Roxby Central Management against a group meeting with shop owners! Businesses threaten shop closures as business still goes backwards. We could likely see a group of owners close voluntary if without help from Roxby Central Management and Roxby Central owners.

Local owner

HOT C I TOP

What do you think about the copyright judgement against the Men at Work hit “I Come From a Land Downunder”?

News in brief Elder attacks Olympic Dam excavation plans Plans by BHP Billiton to excavate around its Olympic Dam mine in South Australia’s north have come under fire from a local Aboriginal elder.

The mining giant wants to excavate the land to explore for, and remove, any items of Aboriginal heritage that exist around the mine.

Eileen Wingfield from the Kokatha group says a number of sacred camp sites belonging to her ancestors are in the area.

She says BHP has no right to damage or remove sites that are important to her people’s identity.

“If they damage another site because they’re going to expand their mine, surely they can leave that and go around a bit or go back a bit or something,” Ms Wingfield said.

She says her ancestors would have some strong words for BHP. Guilty plea over four road deaths A teenager has pleaded guilty over a road crash near Ceduna in South Australia in which four people were killed last May. Aaron Travis Pompey, 19, of Thevenard is accused of crashing a stolen car while doing speeds of up to 180 kilometres

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

per hour.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in December but has now changed his plea in a Port Augusta District Court hearing.

Pompey has pleaded guilty to four charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one each of driving while unlicensed and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Two of the victims were 17, one was 15 and the other was 24.

Two of them were Pompey’s cousins.

He is to face court again in March.

Wave plant a step closer A $5 million wave-energy plant off South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is a step closer, with public comment being invited on its environmental impact.

Wave Rider Energy hopes to install the plant 800 metres offshore from Elliston.

The company’s managing director, Christian Gerlach, says it is hoped Federal approval for the project can be secured in March.

He says the plant would be built in Adelaide and towed to Elliston early next year.

“The tests that we’ve done so far have been very successful,” he said.

“Of course there’s always uncertainty in [that] it’s a challenging project, but we’re quite confident that we can be successful with this technology.”

Public comment on the project can be made until March 1.

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Word of the year Macquarie Dictionary has announced shovelready as the Word of the Year 2009 from the new words selected for inclusion in the annual update of the Macquarie Dictionary Online.

The overall winning word was selected by the Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year Committee chaired by the ViceChancellor of the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence.

The Committee’s choice of Word of the Year for 2009: shovelready adjective (of a building or infrastructure project) capable of being initiated immediately, as soon as funding is assured.

Ageing graziers and few family successors A Victoria University study shows the average Australian woolgrower is now over 50 years old as fewer young people join the profession and the portion of those aged over 80 expands.

Rural sociologist Dr Roger Wilkinson found the average age of Australia’s 20,000 wool farmers is about 53 years, and by 2030, the country could have up to 1000 wool farmers aged a remarkable 80 or older.

The study shows that wool growers whose families have been in the industry for generations feel driven to stay on their farms as they get older because of a strong passion for their profession and often, the absence of a successor.

Wednesday,February 10, 2010 – Page 7

NEWS

Big Day Out Adelaide, 2010 T

o say it was a “Big Day Out” would be an understatement. Twelve hours of sun, alcohol, and ear popping, brain melting music entertained 35,000 teens, tweens and those who revelled perhaps a little bit too much back in their day.

Friday, January 29 was the date for this year’s “Big Day Out”, a music festival that has been held at the Wayville showgrounds in Adelaide for the past 17 years, and nationally for the past 18.

From 9,500 attendees in Sydney only back in 1992, over 263,000 nationally in 2009 and 35,000 alone in Adelaide in 2010 the “Big Day Out” is growing in numbers, international acclaim, and notoriety for the residents of the suburb of Wayville.

The line-up this year did not

By Millie Thomas

disappoint. The bands and artist line-ups are released in three instalments from the day that ticket sales open. As tickets sold out in a week for the Adelaide concert, only knowing a third of the artists could have been a bit of a risk when buying tickets, but with 56 acts in a 12 hour period, it is guaranteed you will like someone there.

If not, the festival atmosphere with numerous show rides, side stalls and bar facilities is sure to provide entertainment, the idea is to just “Get amongst it”.

The line-up this year included international and national artists such as The Muse, Grin Spoon, Lily Allen, Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe and Hilltop Hoods.

If you are doing the math, it wouldn’t take long to figure out that with 56 acts in 12 hours corresponds to 12.86 minutes per act. Fear not, with eight different

stages, all used at the same time, an average act will get about an hour of stage time.

There was a big attendance of residents from Roxby Downs this year, as any year and with a balmy 31°C (as opposed to 43°C last year) Big Day Out was a success, with only 23 people kicked out of the event, mainly for drug related infringements.

The police presence and security was notable, with plenty of roaming policemen (in uniform and undercover), mounted police, sniffer dogs and contracted security teams, the event was made as safe as possible.

One incident was published outside the event, when an individual was robbed at knife point for their Big Day Out ticket. An indication of just how popular this event really is becoming!

Alex Thomas and Leigh Devlin were two Roxby people who enjoyed the Big Day Out.

Steve, Michelle and Tam will be happy to serve you at the new look Community Club.

Community Club after a good ‘face-lift’

By Celeste Lustosa The Roxby Downs Community Club has had a face-lift as most of Roxby residents would know by now.

As far as the renovations go, there will still be another six months until everything is complete, according to the Club’s manager Steve Ellard, but whoever has been there after the renovations can back me up on the fact that the place looks amazing.

“Major renovations have been done and we are two thirds way through, but at this stage we are still a work in progress,” Mr Ellard said.

The original building where the Club is located is over 22 years old so it was really due for some changes.

“This is one of the oldest buildings in Roxby Downs and it definitely needed a face-lift.

“The upgrade was also very much needed because the facility was in high demand and we weren’t able to take all the requests we had.

“Also we will get another 10 to 15 years out of what we have done here.”

There are still things to be done at the Club but Mr Ellard says they are pleased they were able to do all it so far without having to close the doors.

“We are happy we managed to keep the Club running throughout the renovations and now we are getting ready to cover all the community’s demands.”

Mr Ellard also said that the number of memberships has been increasing.

“People get a lot of benefits by being a member of the Community Club, which includes discounts, and vouchers that can be won on Wednesday nights (members only) and good prices at the bottle shop all the time.”

Members also collect points that can lead to great discounts over the year.

But the main aspect is that by being a member you are actually helping the community.

The Community Club is a non-profit organisation and as so it gives a lot back to the community, supporting and sponsoring local projects.

“Because we are a non profit organisation the money goes back to the community. Last year it was over $150,000 that we put back to community.”

Among the projects they support are the Flying Doctors, sponsorship of local sports clubs, and cancer founPage 8 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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dations.

“We do as much as we can at the moment but we are a work in progress and we need the community’s support so we can keep doing our best to help as many people as we can.

“Even though this is a transient community we encourage people to become members and they can take it back with your taxes. If you look at it as a donation, you are helping the community and will get your money back” Mr Ellard also pointed out that with a single membership at a $30 cost and a family membership only costing $40; just on a Wednesday member’s night you can win a dinner voucher which compensates the membership for a year.

A couple of visits to the bottle shop, that is for members only, can also make the membership all worth while, as their prices are always lower, which is a benefit of being a community club.

According to Mr Ellard the Club’s board is full this year, with a great variety of people fully involved in the community.

“We are aware there are only a third of the people in town at this moment and things like the Clark shaft and the global financial crisis affected us, but we have had excellent feedback about the changes we have made and we hope the community keeps supporting us more and more.”

For bookings and more information about the Club contact 8671 0117. Make sure you always contact them first to make sure there is not a function happening in the dining area.

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“Doc” plays a big part in outback history

By Millie Thomas

“Yesterday was a back fracture from Coober Pedy: Wednesday was a diabetic lady with an acute abdomen: Tuesday I went on a clinic: Last night, midnight, road accident, a girl fractured a cervical spine and we flew her to Adelaide: And oh, yes, I had a delivery yesterday, that’s always good fun. A boy.”

Authors of “Australia’s Flying Doctors” (Roger McDonald, Richard Woldendorp) quoted Dr Ashleigh Thomas, AM on a typical week in the life of.

An advocate for the health and wellbeing of indigenous Australia, Chief Medical Officer at the Port Augusta Hospital and father of four, Dr Ashleigh Thomas AM can be typecast as any of the above, however above and beyond all this; he is commonly referred to as “Doc”.

Being the medical aid to hundreds of indigenous and non- indigenous remote Australians over decades has gained him the respect he has so obviously earned.

Ashleigh Thomas has served the RFDS for

NEWS

Dr Ashleigh Thomas with nurse Sue Clayton on a call out to Yalata in 1995

the past 23 years, conducting his work morals and ethics based on the Christian values he was brought up with. “I came from a Christian background and was taught to never discriminate between the black, the white or the brindle, the rich or the poor.

“I hope to get to a quarter of a century with the RFDS which will be the longest service in the central region,” he said. After already spanning two decades with the organisation, Ashleigh has seen development improve the efficiency of the cause.

A modest character, Ashleigh refrains from talking about his numerous accomplishments during his lifelong career, including developing a hearing program for indigenous Australians, and emphasises on the history of his recently acclaimed property.

The original RFDS base building, which coordinated all communications for the central region, was no more than an asbestos shed, sectioned into three main parts.

The first, a carport, the second, the radio operator’s room and the third a dust proof radio valve room. All of which Ashleigh is restoring to its former glory, and all accessible to the public once finished.

The Radio Operators’ room has the map pinned on the wall that the operators used as reference for navigating flights to medical emergencies.

Circa early 1950s there is no highway from Port Augusta to Alice Springs shown, only a railroad, and no Woomera let alone Roxby.

The airstrip, which was basically non- existent, was on the other side of the gulf (to the base) and medical planes were guided in by the headlights of cars.

In 1954 they built a building for the central manager for the RFDS right next to the base.

This was renovated 20 years later to include a new radio room in the more secure and modern building.

The technological advances that have taken place over the last 50 or so years has skyrocketed

the RFDS to immeasurable success. “From Barons to Navajos, to King Airs to Pilatis PC12s.”

Ashleigh explains.

Remote Australian health has improved drastically since the RFDS was founded by Reverend John Flynn OBE (Order of the British Empire) in May, 1928, and it is Ashleigh who is carrying on this legacy and now he hopes to expose communities to the fascinating history of the RFDS. “The biggest change in indigenous health is the rate of car accidents – thanks can go to the South Australian police referring particularly to alcohol restrictive laws and seatbelts. Thank goodness for that. Callouts to car accidents you don’t know what you are going to see, what to expect.”

After establishing clinics and programs for remote Aboriginals, winning the Order of Australia for his services to medicine, winning NAIDOC’s non – indigenous person of the year award, being on call 24 hours a day indefinitely for years Ashleigh Thomas maintains that his greatest achieve-

Dr Ashleigh Thomas, Dr Stephen Ballard, Dr Andy Killcross and Dr Alistair Miller in one of the RFDS’s service planes

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 9

Childcare and Mum’s Group Little Noah enjoyed his playtime on the rocking horse at last week’s Childcare Group.

New arrival

Laura and Paul Trotta of Roxby Downs welcomed their son Matthew James on December 5, 2009 at East Melbourne’s Epworth Freemasons Hospital. Baby Matthew weighed 3.63kgs and measured 49 cms at birth.

Photo by Charmayne

Childcare and Mum’s Group Happy Holly behind the wheel at Childcare

Cronje.

Exhibition Opening Above Petra Noble and Rachel Smith and BELOW Rachel Young, Maree Jackson and Sarah Powell at last week’s opening of the art exhibition.

Childcare and Mum’s Group Holly liked playing outside with all the other children last Wednesday.

Page 10 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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COFFEE MORNING

di with Jess and Mad by at Ru nd a Angela last Mum’s morning y a sd ur Th

BIG DAY OUT

GOOD TIMES

at having a ball Gemma Tuohy Dad’s 21st

Emma Sam Luckett, yla Darling and Ka Langdon had t a great time a Day Out the recent Big

BOGANS!

PEACE

Nathan Tuohy Jess Daw and an’s 21st at the celebrate Nath rday night.

Tavern on Satu

t nd Richard Ellio Jared Helm a an’s e part at Nath dressed for th gans 21st.

Hippies and Bo

T TIE DYE ErleVy EJaN de talk

Ca Jess Daw and at Nathan’s 21st. world peace

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 11

F

Aboriginal Australia ind out how you can connect with the world’s learn to craft spears and catch fish in the traditional way. Let Aboriginal really understand until you get here is the magic, majesty, silence and Australians help you understand this ancient land and its spirituality splendid isolation of Australia’s Red Centre. oldest living culture.

and wonder.

Discover it the same way Aboriginal Australians have passed it down for at least 50,000 years - through -Darwin, Northern Territory art, dance, myths, music and the land itself. See AborigiYou can lose and find yourself in the Northern Territory, a place rich nal art and contemporary dance in the cities. Or head to in Aboriginal history and rugged, natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the outback and listen to Dreamtime myths of creation by Darwin’s melting pot of cuisines and cultures and explore the rainforthe campfire. Bushwalk and snorkel, share bush-tucker or est and Aboriginal rock art of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Stay in the Red Centre town of Alice Springs, then visit the iconic wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Cruise down vast Katherine Gorge and pan for gold at Tennant Creek. The Northern Territory also offers a huge array of wildlife, colourful outback characters and landscapes for outdoor adventure.

- Rock Art, Kakadu, NT Come and explore World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, around three hours east of Darwin.

Here in Australia’s biggest national park, you’ll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 50,000 years old. Learn about Aboriginal culture from traditional owners the Bininj/Mungguy people. Witness millions of migratory birds amongst the wetlands. See delicate waterlilies and prehistoric crocodiles, thundering waterfalls and sparkling waterholes. Experience Kakadu’s magic in six dramatically different seasons. Kakadu is a tapestry of treasures waiting to be explored.

- Simpson Desert, NT - Australia’s Red Centre You probably know about the red monolith in Australia’s centre. You may know it’s sacred to the Aboriginal people here, and that it turns some spectacular colours at sunrise and sunset. You might not know that you can experience it through Aboriginal eyes, or that there are many other sacred and breathtaking sites here in Australia’s vast centre.

Uluru’s cousin Kata Tjuta is just 40 kilometres away and you’ll find the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon not far from Alice Springs. You might not realise that this landscape has green vegetation and lush waterholes as well as dusty red roads and huge slabs of rock. And what you won’t

- Camel ride, Todd River, NT - Alice Springs Start your outback adventure in Alice Springs, in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Sail over the spinifex plains in a hot air balloon or bike ride to Simpsons Gap. Join a safari of quad bikes across the desert or fly over the MacDonnell Ranges. Peer into the traditions of the Aboriginal Arrernte people who have lived here for 20,000 years and browse contemporary Aboriginal art along Todd Mall. Connect to stories of Afghan cameleers, flying doctors and plucky pioneers in the many heritage sites around the town. This rollicking, modern town is also a day trip from the iconic attractions of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

Australians’ Travel Trends

T

he following is information gathered by Trafalgar tours from 511 Australians from all walks of life, aged over 40 who have travelled overseas in the last 4 years or plan to travel in the next four years.

Despite the recent global financial crisis and decline in consumer confidence, Australians over 40 still consider travel a high priority and are actively pursuing travel desires by saving to make it a reality.

Eighty-four per cent of those questioned intend to travel overseas in the next three to four years. In fact, they place travel ahead of buying a car, buying or upgrading property, or buying a big ticket item, such as a large TV or home cinema. This shows the overwhelming priority

Page 12 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Australians are putting on travel.

For many their lives are established, and now they’re taking time to indulge themselves and enrich their lives through travel experience.

Europe was the most popular destination of the extensively travelled group. The research reveals that Europe doesn’t lose its appeal, with travellers returning again and again, its cultural highlights, incredible sightseeing, tasty regional delicacies and opportunity for adventurous exploration a strong lure for Australians.

These travellers are looking for a comfortable and convenient way to see the world with two in three preferring at least some part of their trip to be a tour or cruise-style holiday that has been designed to incorporate the perfect mix of sightseeing, culture and time to do their own thing. Research has found that

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international travel ranked as the number one aspiration (84%) in the next four years followed closely by domestic travel (77%), indicating that Australians are making the most of every opportunity to travel.

Europe is no longer seen as a once in a lifetime travel destination, as it may have been seen by previous generations. Today travel is an ongoing pursuit and one that Australians dream about, actively save for and make a reality many times over.

Call the team at Whyalla Flight Centre for all of your travelling needs, we are here to help make sure your next holiday is smooth sailing, great value and memorable!

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

NEWS

Advocates for healthy eating and Sunsmart. . .

I

Rascals are back!!

n the past, the centre has undergone scrutiny, resulting in a lot of negative feedback and reactions. Alicia Pratt took on the position as director in October and since then has starting making some drastic and well needed changes, the centre looks fantastic!

The centre offers care for children starting as young as six weeks old to 12 years old with developmental and age appropriate programs. Healthy eating and sun safe activities have been introduced into the daily routine and transitions to educate children of their importance from a young age.

Nicole Page joined the little Rascals team in December as a qualified staff member and creates a challenging yet developmentally appropriate program for children’s daily activities. These activities are creative and promote social skill development for the children before they start primary school. Nicole and staff put a big emphasis on cooking with children on a weekly basis. Construction, art & craft, group times and singing are just a few daily program items.

Staff pride themselves on maintaining a high standard of child staff interactions, parent communication and staff communication.

The high staff to child ratio ensures that the children’s needs are well catered for, both on an individual and group level, maintaining the professionalism that is now a staple for the centre’s day to day operations.

The babies room is now fully operational everyday, with numbers increasing each week. With air conditioning, a great program, sleeping and changing facilities it is a lovely environment for children under the age of 2 years old to come and experience Child Care for the first time.

The centre provides both morning tea and afternoon tea, including a variety of healthy snacks such as fruit platters, fruit salad, vegie sticks and dip just to name a few.

Term 2 will be an exciting time for Alicia and staff as a PreKindy program will be starting. It will be held on a Monday and Friday morning from 8.45am – 11.45am. Spots are already filling fast so please call Alicia if you would like to secure a place for your child. Also, starting in Term 2 the Little Rascal Bus will begin pick-up and drop off for kindergarten and school aged children.

Nicole and Alicia from Little Rascals are two of the dedicated staff promoting healthy eating sunsmart activities.

Again, if this is a service you will be requiring please call Alicia, as there are limited spots on the bus.

The centre currently has a fundraiser in place, emphasing the importance of sun smart for children and families. There is a wide range of children’s, men’s and ladies

sunglasses to choose from. Alicia invites the community to come and have a look there is something for everyone. The staff aim to not only raise money for the centre, but also to promote awareness of sun safety throughout the community.

Alicia would like to thank her staff team

she states “they have all done a fantastic job, there has been a lot of out of hours work and not once has this been a problem. We all share the same goal and that is to fill our centre with children’s smiling faces, I am very proud of the support they have given me.”

To advertise here call SALES on 08 8671 2683 Mia and Amali can now keep their lunches cool during Roxby’s long, hot summers.

W

Keeping it cool for the RDAS students

By Celeste Lustosa

Health Community grant.

The refrigerators at the school were approved by all hen it’s hot in Roxby it can spoil food very students that now will keep their food cold, at a temfast. perature where bacteria grows at a minimal rate, and

Students from Roxby Downs Area School can now keep their lunches and snacks cool for the whole day.

Twenty-nine classrooms now have fridges where students can keep their food. The fridges were bought with the money raised by parents and friends from the community in quiz nights and other events that took place last year as well as with some money from a Building THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

therefore preserves food for much longer. Without a refrigerator fresh milk would perish within hours, as would fresh meat or fish, if kept at room temperature, so that also gives parents more options for things to put in their children’s lunchbox.

In a climate similar to the one experienced here in the Far North having fridges in rooms is almost as important as having air conditioning. www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 13

NEWS

---- News in Brief ---BP exec to lead Iron Ore Alliance The North West Iron Ore Alliance (NWIOA) has named former British Petroleum (BP) executive Tony Considine as its new chief executive.

According to the Alliance, Considine has a strong track record in the global mining and petroleum industries.

“He has devised and implemented international joint ventures, strategies to fuel growth and create wealth for shareholders and mergers and acquisitions,” the group said in a statement.

Considine has previously served as the chief executive of the downstream operations for the TNKBP joint venture in Russia and the Ukraine; a project that earned US$5 billion.

He also oversaw BP’s acquisition of Burmah Castrol for US$4 billion and delivered the commercial and economic sections of the Olympic Dam feasibility study.

Mining giants face probe into joint venture BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto face a European Union investigation into whether their Australian iron-ore joint venture curbs competition.

The European Commission, the EU antitrust authority in Brussels, said regulators would probe whether the deal between the world’s second- and third-largest iron-ore producers was a restrictive business agreement, BHP and Rio say the 50-50 venture, combining mines, rail, ports and workforces in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, will save them at least US$10 billion ($14 billion).

The agreement will also concentrate power in the market for the steelmaking ingredient and result in higher prices for customers, steel industry group Eurofer, representing producers including ArcelorMittal and ThyssenKrupp.

The companies said last month that they expected to complete the deal by the end of 2010. The venture will also be reviewed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, as well as antitrust authorities in Japan and Germany.

The Japanese steel industry continues to view the establishment of the JV as a move that would restrict competition.

Brazil’s Vale, the largest iron-ore producer, BHP and Rio account for 68.5 per cent of iron ore shipped by sea, according to the World Steel Association in Brussels.

Rio spokesman Nick Cobban said: “This is very much a production joint venture only, between ourselves and BHP Billiton, which will enable us to deliver more iron ore to the market, faster and at lower costs.”

Vale buys Bunge fertiliser assets, to build Argentina potash project The world’s second-biggest mining company has inked an agreement to buy New York-based Bunge’s Brazilian fertiliser assets for $3.8 billion in cash, the group announced last week.

Vale also said that it would start construction on

Page 14 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

the Rio Colorado potash project, in Argentina, that it bought last year from rival Rio Tinto.

The group, which is seeking to increase its position in fertiliser production, reducing its exposure to iron-ore, and taking advantage of demand for crop nutrients, particularly in Brazil, said it expects to be producing about 3.3 million tons a year of phosphoric acid and 10.7 million tons of potash within seven years.

“This transaction is instrumental to the consolidation of Vale’s strategy on focusing on Brazil as the main market for its production of phosphates, given the potential of the acquired mines as well as the growth associated to our projects around the world,” group CEO Roger Agnelli said in a statement.

Rio Colorado Vale said it will begin construction on the Rio Colorado project this year, and expects to start production from the mine in the second half of 2013.

The operation will have a nominal production capacity of 2.4 million tons a year of potash, and will cost $4.1 billion.

The group already operates a potash mine in Brazil, and is scheduled to start up the 3.9 million ton a year Bayovar I phosphate mine, in Peru, in the second half of this year, and is also looking at potash development projects in Brazil, Argentina and Canada, as well as phosphates projects in Peru and Mozambique.

The potash market has traditionally been tightly controlled by a small group of producers. However, larger diversified miners like Vale and rival BHP Billiton are showing increasing interest in the sector.

BHP said last week it had approved $240-million for preparation work on its Jansen potash project in Canada.

The project is being designed to produce about eight-million tons a year of agricultural-grade potash, which will represent BHP Billiton’s first production of the crop nutrient.

Australian PM says no decision yet on tax reform Australia’s government has not yet decided what recommendations it will adopt from a report proposing major tax reforms, possibly including a big increase in mining royalties, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said last week.

Rudd, who will seek re-election in a national poll expected late in 2010, is under pressure from business groups, miners and Australia’s A$1.2 trillion ($1.08 trillion) pension industry - the world’s fourth largest - to end uncertainty and release the report, after much of its contents were leaked to media.

Newspapers have said the report, by Treasury Chief Ken Henry, proposes a 40% mining resource rent tax, as well as tax breaks for the country’s four big banks to help draw foreign investment and recast the country as a regional financial hub.

The new resource tax, which would affect companies such as Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, would be based on the petroleum resource rent tax levied on products, including crude oil and natural gas, mined in Australian waters and adding billions of dollars extra to government coffers.

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New website eases pressure on Australia’s mining families

Professional counselling support, first-hand testimonials of life in mining towns and a friendly online forum are among a raft of free services available to Australia’s mining families through a new website called Mining Family Matters.

Created by Adelaide-based mining mum Alicia Ranford, the website is designed to offer friendship and professional support to families across the nation coping with the pressures of fly in/fly out work rosters or life in isolated rural communities.

“Mining is a great industry, offering financial stability and opportunities to see new places and meet new people. But it can be tough, especially on young families,” Alicia says.

“My husband is a mining engineer and in the past decade we’ve moved six times, including a stint in South Africa – I’ve had two pregnancies in outback mining towns, with no family backup and no obstetrics care.

I created Mining Family Matters after struggling to find specific information and services to help my two young children cope with their fly in/fly out dad being away for extended periods.”

A key feature of the website, which can be found at www.miningfm.com.au, is a series of in-depth columns and Q&A sessions with a resident psychologist and social worker, offering advice on the unique issues facing mining families. Other highlights include: • Online chat forum to link families working through issues of isolation and extended time apart; • Lowdown on key mining towns across the country, with testimonials from mining families; • Careers section with insider tips on getting into the industry and working up the ladder; • Online mums’ guide to great

Alicia Ranford websites for families who don’t live next door to a shopping mall; • Financial wisdom from insurance and investment professionals.

“Mining Family Matters has been created especially for mining families, but we think it also offers great benefits for the mining industry as a whole,” Alicia says.

“With Australian mining on the rebound and another skills shortage looming in the wake of the global financial crisis, it’s imperative that companies support their labour force by encouraging strong family bonds.

“Every time a mining company loses an employee, replacement costs amount to between 0.5 and 1.5 times the miner’s salary. A happy family makes for a happy miner – and hopefully a more productive employee who won’t need to quit to save his marriage.”

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HAVE YOUR SAY . . .

LIFESTYLE

“how has the start of school affected your day to day activities?”

“It affects my day because my Fiancee Rikki now works at the RDAS and I miss her on my days off!”

Rikki Prosser

“It takes a long time to wait for the pedestrian crossing to clear once school finishes. Council should think of ways to amend this.”

Ali Crompton

PHOTO

“I won’t come to the shop after 3 pm, it’s too hectic.”

Courtney Bates

“There are less sales during theday (at Desert Edge) and more window shoppers after school.”

Sam Coppin

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 15

BIRTH NOTICE

HAPPY VALENTINE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MATTHEW James Trotta - Laura and Paul of Roxby Downs welcomed their son on 05/12/2009 at East Melbourne’s Epworth Freemasons Hospital.

TO Cara, You are my valentine. I love you always. Love from Adam

THE Roxby Downs Billy Cart Bash Committee is seeking volunteers for the Sodexo 2010 Roxby Billy Cart Bash.

Be part of this great community event. For more information call Karl 0408 754 745.

K Happy 2010 Valentine Luv B VIR My ‘grumpy’ op Valentynsdag! N letsie spesiaal om jou te laat Weet, ‘Ek is lief vir jou Stoof!’ Flos.

TO my best friend, lover, wife & nag-ologist I love you. Jack xxxx TO my prince Ben, Happy Valentine’s Day as a new family. We love spending time with you. Love your Angel and all my love, your Princess Jodie xx

Page 16 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

FOR SALE SOLAR KITS Free protective bag + Free Freight Australia Wide.

Full range of Camping & 4WD gear at www. kampers.com.au 03 5024 2200

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NEWS

The Monitor Movie Review

T

he problem with making a movie about Sherlock Holmes is that Sherlock Holmes is basically a television character. He’s an eccentric who solves crimes by latching onto cutting edge technology while having the biggest brain in the room.

So to make him work as a movie character, director Guy Ritchie has had to make a few slight changes, and part of the fun that comes from watching this particular version is seeing the ways that Holmes has been updated while still keeping his essence intact.

This particular Holmes, played by Robert Downey Jr isn’t above beating people, but by using his much-famed powers of deduction he can deduce the best ways to incapacitate his opponents – which we then see him do. So while Holmes gets to run around getting wrapped up in the kind of big action set-pieces movie-goers like to see these days (and which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle somehow forgot to include in the original stories), his core – that of a man who uses deduction to outsmart his opponents – remains intact.

And it doesn’t hurt one bit that Downey is playing the role; he’s the current Hollywood heavyweight champion when it comes to being a charming smarty while still hinting at depths within, and coupled with his unequalled ability

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to play characters on the edge, you couldn’t ask for a better Holmes.

Jude Law as Watson has a slightly more difficult role but he brings real life to it, and while the buddy-banter between Holmes and Watson doesn’t always work as well as it should their performances together have real chemistry.

The story occasionally threatens to become just another action-heavy “update” that throws out everything interesting about the original, but for the most part gives the cast plenty of space to be charming while providing a number of fairly interesting mysteries for Holmes to tackle in between dodging explosions.

The story itself is a little thin – black magician and serial killer Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) conducts an evil scheme apparently from beyond the grave – but it moves fast, has enough twists to keep things engaging, and never forgets that for all the talk of magic and secret societies, Holmes is about explaining things logically – and if that results in a Scooby-Doo style ending, so be it.

And anyway, the real fun in a Sherlock Holmes story is Holmes himself and this particular Holmes is a lot more fun than most. The door’s left open for a sequel: the chance to see Downey and Law as Holmes and Watson again can’t come soon enough.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Page 17

SPORT SPORTING CAR CLUB RACE RESULTS Street Stock 1st Paul Francis RD73 2nd Michael Mason RD48 3rd Danny Wegner RD26 Modified/Open 1st Greg Limbert C5 2nd Dale Thiele C27 3rd Brenda Field RD21 Championship - Street Stock 1st Geoff Munro RD42 2nd Michael Mason RD48 3rd Justin Moore W51 Championship - Modified/Open 1st Dale Thiele C27 2nd Greg Limbert C5 3rd Dave Readon PP5 Best Presented Greg Limbert C5 Sports People of The Day James Beenham Don McKinnon Chris Burgrraaf Steve Webber

Scorebook . . .

Roxby Rogues vs Andamooka

Team Batting first: Andamooka

B. Platcha Ct. BoultonAnderson G. Weltner Ct. Polujnikoff Anderson R. Mill Bowled Boulton

B. Hahn LBW Boulton

B. Morgan Ct. Anderson Tutthill J. Beenham Ct. Platten Tutthill P. Francis Ct. Platten Tutthill A. Taylor Bowled Boulton R. Kerby Ct. Polujnikoff Boulton J. Curnow Ct. Anderson Hayball J. Dadleh Not Out Extras (2 Wides)

Total

Roxby Rogues Bowling

22 N. Anderson 6 2 3 A. Boulton 8 1 0 N. Tutthill 3 0 0 M. Hayball 0.1 0 12 0 3 1 0 1 0 2 10/44

Team Batting second: Roxby Rogues Bowling T. Queale Not Out 33 B. Platcha M. Hayball Not Out 13 A. Taylor 14 Total 0/50

218 417 39 10

Andamooka 8

3 20 3

Wanderers, v Woomera Batting: Wanders C. Wilson lbw Taylor 46 D. Smith c Willis 67 R. Selkirk b Watkinson 16 J. Carroll c Payne 4 M. Watkins c Payne 4 R. Briggs c Payne 24 S. Quinn c Payne 2 D. Hanson lbw Payne 0 B. Thompson not out 6 B. Cox c Searle 0 D. Mail lbw Blackie Final Score 10 for 172 Bowling Womera A. Willis 1/24 J. Payne 5/31 A. Searle 1/27 J. Taylor 1/30 P. Watkinson 1/27 M. Blackie 1/1

Page 18 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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Batting: Woomera W. Broome b Quinn 23 A. McArdie lbw Wilson 20 J. Taylor c Selkirk 21 A Willis c Smith 36 T. Staines b Smith 16 M. Blackie c Smith 2 A. Searle b Selkirk 0 S. White c Selkirk 1 P. Watkinson c Selkirk 0 J. Payne run out 0 M. Ingold not out 0 Final Score 10 for 126 Bowling Wanders B. Cox 0/13 S Quinn 1/30 J. Carroll 0/24 C. Wilson 1/27 R. Selkirk 4/16

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SPORT

Lapathon sponsors needed

By Celeste Lustosa The Roxby Downs Swimming Club is having its annual fundraiser Lapathon on February 16, Tuesday from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Leisure Centre Pool.

Swimmers get sponsored per lap or get donations and they have 2.5 hours to swim as many laps as they can, non-stop, except for drinks.

“We are hoping to raise $4500 for new shades for the club. These shades are used at most community events and travel with the club to carnivals and are erected at the pool regularly for our own events,” said Phillipa Weltner, Roxby Downs Swimming Club Head Coach.

Over 50 swimmers are expected to participate in the event, ranging from five year olds right through to the Club’s President.

Swimmers have individual sponsorship forms and will be out and about in the community looking for sponsorship and if you know any of the swimming club members, contact them and make your donation.

“We also would like to call on businesses that would like to sponsor our President (Tony McGauchie) who will be swimming in the event, so that we will organise their logo to be printed on our shades”, Phillipa said.

Businesses that would like to sponsor the Club’s President can contact Tony McGauchie, on 0418899838.

“There is no minimum donation but BHP Billiton personnel donating $20 or more are eligible to have their donation matched $ for $ for this event,” told Phillipa.

Not only you will help a local club by donating, but also fun is guaranteed on the day. Come along, bring the family and sponsor your favourite swimmers.

Club president, Tony McGauchie practises his laps in preparation for the Lapathon

T

Hat Trick for Payne couldn’t save Redbacks

he Wanderers travelled to Woomera on Saturday night to do battle with the in form Redbacks under lights, with the Redbacks keen to keep their winning form the previous week in tact after a comfortable win over Olympic Dam.

The Wanderers won the toss and elected to bat, on what was a good afternoon for batting.

The Redbacks opening attack of Adam Willis and Joey Payne kept the scoring rate low with some good tight bowling to the Wanderers openers Craig Wilson and Damian Smith. The two however, made it through to the drinks break with their wickets in tact and had set the Wanderers up with a good platform to go on and make a big score.

The Swaggies were continuing on untroubled before a change of pace was introduced by the Redbacks from the Northern end and soon had it’s rewards when Wilson was trapped in front off the spin of Taylor for a well made 46, but with the score on 100 the Redbacks still had a lot of work ahead of them with the dangerous Ryan Selkirk next in to bat.

Selkirk and Smith settled in and had the Wanderers run rate lifting before Selkirk copped a beauty from Watkinson in the 30th over, removing his stumps from the ground with his score on 16 but the Swaggies still in a commanding position at 2/129.

Jason Carroll was next in for the Wanderers, who at this stage were looking to kick on and post a big total for the Redbacks to chase.

R

A change of bowling saw Willis back into the attack. A good move by the captain as it soon paid dividends with Smith holing out with the score only advancing to 131. However, it was a great knock by Smith, who managed 67, giving him 150 runs from his two last innings and is in top form for the Swaggies.

Ryan Briggs joined Carroll in the middle and the pair put on a quick fire 20 before Carroll was caught trying to increase the run rate further, giving Payne his first wicket for the afternoon.

Briggs kept scoring freely however, and got to 24 before he was caught behind again off the bowling of Payne.

With the cream of the Wanderers batting attack back in the shed, the Redbacks had a chance of containing the Wanderers to a reasonable total given the great start they got off to, and with two new batters in Watkins and Quinn at the crease the Redbacks could now take their chances with the Wanderers going for the boundaries as the innings was coming to an end.

The Wanderers had gotten their score to 166 when Quinn was caught on the boundary by a brilliant catch to Adam Willis which got the Redbacks fired up going into the last few overs, and the very next ball found Watkins caught behind off the bowling of Payne once again to give him his fourth in what was turning into a great spell of bowling.

With Payne now on a hat trick, Dave Hanson took guard and set about trying to keep the hat trick ball out at all cost. Hanson was struck on the pads with his first ball and the dreaded finger

from the umpire went up, sending Hanson back to the sheds and handing Payne a hat trick. A well deserved, and hard fought one due to the Redbacks being so dominant early in the game.

With the tail cleaned up cheaply with wickets to Searle and Mitch Blackie, the Wanderers were all out for 172. A fairly disappointing total considering the start the boys got but at the same time a very defendable target on a slow outfield.

The stand out for the Redbacks was Joey Payne with 5/31, with Willis, Searle, Taylor and Blackie all chipping in with one each.

The Redbacks openers in Wally Broome and McArdle got their team off to a solid start with the two getting the score along to 35 before their Broome fell to a great ball from Quinn which removed his off stump for 23.

McArdle was joined at the crease by Taylor and once again found themselves building a good partnership, but with the score on 63 Wilson had McArdle trapped in front for 20. This had the Redbacks at 2/63 after 18, and with the Redbacks’ captain Willis coming to the crease, getting to drinks without losing a wicket was the main priority.

The Redbacks found it slow going after drinks with Craig Wilson tying one end down with his leg spin and Jason Carroll bowling well from the other, the Redbacks had to start increasing the tempo of their batting before the task got too big for them, and with the loss of Taylor with the score on 86. The majority of the runs would have to come from the bat of the in-form Willis.

Trevor Staines was next in and he and Wil-

lis looked solid for the Redbacks, putting on a great partnership which included two huge sixes from Willis and some positive stroke play from Staines. The two looked as solid as a rock as they powered past 100 and got the score board ticking over regularly.

It took a great catch from Wilson off the bowling of Smith to remove Willis who was starting to look extremely dangerous to the Wanderers. The catch taken above his head after Willis middled another cover drive.

The score was now 4/118 and the Redbacks were close enough if good enough to snatch a win from the Wanderers.

The form from the bottom of the Redbacks’ order was not what they had hoped and Ryan Selkirk ripped through the bottom of the order.

He and Smith combined well to send the last six Woomera wickets back to the shed with the home side only adding another eight runs.

The Redbacks, all out for 126.

Best for the Redbacks with the bat were Willis(36), Broome (23), Taylor (20), and a gritty knock at the end by Staines(16). While best of the Wanderers bowlers were Selkirk who finished with four and Smith who got three.

Special thanks have to go to Graham Warren who umpired for the majority of the game before the bar became too great of a temptation. And also to the Woomera crowd who come out in force to cheer on their much improved team. It was a great atmosphere down there on a great night for cricket.

Young openers cruise past Andamooka’s total of 44

oxby Rogues were comfortable victors over Andamooka Platcha’s score between them, as the team was dismissed for just 44.

Billy Morgan was the only other batsman to make it to double figures in their game on Saturday morning.

(12), with the batting crease becoming a revolving door for the AndaAndamooka won the toss and batted and made a bright start. mooka players.

Ben Platcha continued his good season form, hitting three fours on the Rogues’s opening bowler Adrian Boulton was in the wickets again, way to 22, before he skied a catch to third man off the bowling of Nat claiming four scalps to take his season tally to 15 wickets at an average Anderson. of 9.5. Next best was spin king Nige Tutthill with three.

Unfortunately the remainder of the Andamooka side could only match Rogues elevated 12 year old prodigy Matt Hayball to open the batting with the marginally older Tim Queale, and neither were dismissed as they chased the total down in 16 overs. Hayball batted solidly and was rarely troubled in his 13 not out, which included a well timed pull shot along the ground which reached boundary despite the heavy outfield.

Queale looked less comfortable in his first innings of the new year, surviving a dropped chance at slip off the bowling of Taylor. He regrouped after the let off and managed five boundaries in 33 not out.

Ben Platcha was the best of the Andamooka bowlers to complete a sound all round effort.

The loss is one of a string of hidings for the Andamooka side, as they struggle to be consistently competitive in their first season in the competition. They should take heart from their opponents Rogues however, who were in a similar position when they began nine years ago but have built themselves into a strong club.

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Wednesday, Monday, February 10, 2010 – Page 19

SPORT

Young boys on quest to be top www.themonitor.com.au

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Phone (08) 8671 2683

By Celeste Lustosa

oxby Downs has two young talents that have blown away many grown-ups at the Motocross tracks. Liam Jenkins is seven years old and Zac Bradbery is ten and they can often be seen with their proud dads at motorbike competitions around the State.

Seven year old Liam Jenkins gets in some valuable practise at the Roxby track.

“A lot of people don’t understand the facilities we have up here and for our kids to get out and be up there in state levels is fantastic,” said Liam’s father, Dale Jenkins.

The Roxby Desert Moto-X Club has over 30 children from four to 15 years of age training, riding or simply having their fun at the Club’s tracks regularly.

The Club provides people from our region with a safe environment to ride.

“This is somewhere the kids can ride safely, instead of the riding in the bush and running the risk of getting lost.

“We all look out for each other here at the tracks,” Dale told The Monitor.

While Dale was giving this interview Liam was showing all he can do with his bike on the tracks and this little boy can ride.

“Liam is keen on riding motocross and he has his whole life ahead of him at the moment, he’s 7 and a half, but when he grows up if he wants to be a professional motorbike rider he will have the family’s support,” said Dale.

The motocross season starts at the beginning of March until end of October, and includes 24 events in nine months.

“These will be 24 weekends we will have to travel and take Liam away for the competitions, but he makes lots of friends and

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meets lots of people and it is a healthy and fun environment for him.”

Liam will head to Mt Gambier, Adelaide, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge and Whyalla in the next few months and he is very excited about it.

But Dale points out that even though it is a fun sport, it can also be very expensive for parents.

“It’s a very expensive sport. Just his motorbike was $5,000 and the maintenance is high but if you want a competitive bike you’ve got to keep working on it,” he said.

Zac Bradbery and his dad Matt were also at the track on the day of this interview and the 10 year-old showed a lot of skills as well.

Zac has just moved to Roxby but he’s been riding for six years and he gave thumbs up for the Roxby Desert Moto-X Club tracks.

“I have been in Roxby for four years but it was only a few weeks ago that my family moved here so this is the second day we have been here but Zac likes it very much,” said the other proud dad, Matt.

Zac is doing the Eyre Peninsula series with five rounds of competitions in Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Kimba.

“Zac did really well so far and in the second round at Port Lincoln he got fourth on the day,” Matt said.u Last year at the South Australia state title Zac was fifth over all.

“It was a big achievement for him and a very good year because he finished second in the EP Series.”

Both parents acknowledged how important the sponsorships have been to them and ‘Bikes n’ Gear’ in Whyalla sponsors both boys. Any local business want to take a step forward?

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