FEB24-10

www.themonitor.com.au

Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843

Volume 7, Wednesday February 24, 2010

Kids learn about Arid Recovery at . . .

Annual trapping days K

Millie Thomas reports

ids from around Roxby and Andamooka have a unique opportunity to see preservation of our wildlife and ecosystems first hand with the annual small vertebrate trapping program conducted over five days each February.

Their mission statement is to facilitate restoration of arid zone ecosystems through on ground works, applied research, and industry, community and government partnerships.

In 1998, Arid Recovery started a project, which has since been held annually, called Small Vertebrate Trapping. The objective behind this project was to compare the diversity and abundance of animals inside the reserve with outside the reserve, where feral animals are still present.

This project has been instrumental in providing useful information to the Arid Recovery Team over the last 12 years, it illustrates how certain species have lived and either prospered or diminished with the removal of predators, and a change in availability of food and cover.

Arid Recovery is an organisation based in Olympic Dam which is a joint conservation initiative between BHP Billiton, the local community, the SA Department for Environment and Heritage and the University of Adelaide.

Their ongoing studies are helping to preserve the ecosystems around us and discover new ways to protect our little piece of desert from repercussions from the mine, and natural degradation of the land.

Continued on page 2

Andamooka school student, Jared has a close look at a Monitor Lizard during last week’s Trapping Program.

Up close and personal

NEWS

Annual trapping days

Another happy student from Andamooka with a desert banded snake.

T

From the front page

he capturing and processing of the animals is done every day, for five consecutive days, morning and night during February. The animals are taken from the same areas both inside and outside the Arid Recovery reserve every year, from different types of habitats to ensure that species diversity is achieved.

Processing the animals is not nearly as vulgar as it may sound, the captured animals are simply weighed, sexed and fed and watered. This information is recorded and the animals are released back to the place they were captured from.

WEATHER conditions

FROM WED 24 FEBRUARY TO SUN 28 FEBRUARY

W

T

F

S

S

ROXBY DOWNS

24/38 25/40 25/38 26/36 24/31

PORT AUGUSTA

21/37 23/40 26/39 24/34 20/28

COOBER PEDY

27/39 29/39 27/40 26/34 24/29

LEIGH CREEK

23/36 23/37 23/37 26/35 24/28

ADELAIDE

17/32 20/34 24/37 21/28 18/26

Arid Recovery has made numerous observations over the last decade or so from the data that they have recorded. For example, in 2006, the nationally threatened Plains Rat was caught in the reserve and since then numbers have risen within the reserve because of the abundance of food and decrease of natural predators.

Also, from 2001 there has been a steady increase of native rodents within the reserve, in comparison to the ones outside the reserve. In particular, the Spinifex Hopping Mouse and Bolam’s mouse have increased in number.

The animals are trapped using either an Elliot Trap or a Pitfall Trap.

There are 39 trap sites both inside and out of the reserve, and at each site there is a Pitfall line and a line of

O

15 Elliot traps. Both traps are used for different purposes. The Elliot trap catches rodents such as Spinifex Hopping Mice, Bolam’s Mice, Plains Rats and House mice.

Pitfall traps are a PVC pipe dug into the ground with the opening level with the ground. The traps are placed approximately two metres apart and a mesh fence is erected between the pits so that it runs through the middle of each trap.

The animals hit the fence, run along it and fall into the traps. Pitfall traps catch mainly reptiles and small marsupials, also rodents and occasionally frogs.

Each year, this is a big operation for the Arid Recovery team and each year students from the districts numerous schools are invited to Arid Recovery, where they demonstrate the process and explain in layman’s terms why it is done.

The children

really get a kick out of being introduced to their reptile and marsupial counterparts, and take away with them valuable information to use if and when they come across a snake on their back porch or a lizard on the side of the road.

BELOW: A desert hopping mouse being cleaned and weighed before release.

Police issue 13 expiation notices

and conveyed to Port Augusta where he will be facing court at a later date.

Police have received numerous phone calls in relation to complaints from members of the public in relation to the misuse of motor vehicles. These phone calls have resulted in numerous statements being taken and vehicles being clamped and expiation notices issued. Police would like to thank members of the public for coming forward On Tuesday February 16, an adult male was reported and providing statements and encourage members of the for driving with a prescribed concentration of alcohol public to continue to report these matters to help stop having blown 0.083. He was issued with a six month further offending licence disqualification.

On Saturday, February 20 at about 10.30 p.m. a 29yr old male was reported for driving with a prescribed concentration of alcohol and blew 0.130. He was issued with a six month licence disqualification.

On Sunday, February 21, at about 12.10 a.m. an adult male was arrested at Andamooka for assaulting a juvenile.

He has received bail conditions and will be attending court at a later date.

Also on Sunday at 12.45 a.m. a 33yr old male was arrested at the Roxby Downs Community Club for aggravated assault on a security guard. The male was further charged with another aggravated assault on a Make your dollar work for Roxby police officer and property damage. He was refused bail

ver the last week Police have issued 13 expiation notices for varying offences from exceed speed to failing to maintain effective control of a motor vehicle. A number of defects and defect cautions were also issued for failing to maintain basic vehicle standards.

Money on travel and freight and help create local employment!

The

friendly staff of your Community Newspaper

John Pick Editor

Lauren Chessell Sales Coordinator

The Monitor Newspaper 6 Richardson Place, Roxby Downs PO Box 72, Roxby Downs SA 5725 Page 2 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Celeste Lustosa Journalist and Photographer

Jenny Lauder Administration Officer

Millie Thomas Annarien Robbertse Journalist and Photographer

Phone (08) 8671 2683 Fax (08) 8671 2843

www.themonitor.com.au www.themonitor.com.au

Production and Photographer

Jack McGuire

Advertising Consultant Far North

Tiffany Venning

Advertising Consultant Adelaide

info@themonitor.com.au editor@themonitor.com.au advertising@themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

NEWS

Roxby Pools checks for everyone’s safety

By Celeste Lustosa

Jeff Shillabeer inspects one of the local backyard pools for all safety aspects.

Roxby vulnerable to road accidents

By Celeste Lustosa Roxby Road Safe Group wants to spread the message that Roxby residents are more vulnerable to road accidents because they are constantly travelling out of town.

David Miller, Community Road Safety Officer from South Australian Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, was in Roxby discussing road safety issues with the group.

“The government has taken another approach by reaching out into the communities to seek for volunteers and representatives to assist in getting the message that communities can contribute to their own road safety,” he said.

There are 35 groups across the state and Mr Miller is working with 14 of these groups, including the one in Roxby Downs. The aim is to get fatality rates below 90 by 2020 and reduce injury below 1,000 by 2020 on our roads.

The committee is eligible for an annual $500 administration grant and then can apply for additional grants

of anything up to $10,000.

“Raising community awareness can be done in many ways e.g. advertising, public display, take a break campaigns, give away promotional items, community displays and presentations, crash markers along the roads etc,” Mr Miller pointed out.

One of the main tasks of the Group now is to expand community membership and make more people part of the group.

“We want the community to decide what the activities should be and let them develop the strategic plan for the town.

“We are here to work on what the community sees as issues for road safety and the more they can put an input on the plan, more they take the matter seriously,” Mr Miller aded.

In order to get more members, the group decided to approach Community Board Members, BHP Billiton representatives, schools representatives – including teachers and students and health service staff to become a member on the committee, as well as big contractors’ to also have representatives on board.

A big educational campaign is also planned for this year, where promotional material would be distributed in town and also for BHPB workers and at the camp.

“We need to spread the message and work on more education. Repeat the message as many times as we need because it takes quite a long time for some people to put this into thinking and understand the importance of Road Safety.

“The more people we can reach, the better it is,” Mr Miller added.

According to Police reports the offences when it comes to Road Safe are various, such as speeding offences under 45km, offences ranging from no helmet whilst riding a bike or scooter, no seatbelts, no number plates, no “P” Plates, unlicensed person, and unregistered motor vehicle, speeding cautions, out of control vehicles, mobile phone offence and not using road signs.

Drive safe and stay alive. If you see someone who is not doing their part, please advise Police, you could save lives.

Supervision is the key to prevent drowning.

Supervision means constant watching, not occasionally glancing at your child while you read. But for total safety it is not enough to just watch the children but also to have a safety barrier around the pool.

Roxby Downs Council wants to make sure all residents can enjoy their pools in the safest way, so every residence with a swimming pool is currently being inspected.

Senior Development Officer from Salisbury Council Jeff Shillabeer visits Roxby every month in order to get the inspections done and last week 30% of the pools were looked over.

According to the officer, the main focus of the inspections is to make sure all pools have a safety barrier.

“We want to make sure all the pools not only have a safety barrier, but also one that complies with the Australian standards”, he said.

He also said that if the pool doesn’t comply with the proper standards people can get fined and even face legal prosecution.

“Our goal is to make sure people can enjoy their pool in a safe way so if we see something that is not in accordance we let them know and give them 24 hours to get it fixed.

“Our aim is not to punish people but the penalty can be as severe as four years in jail as this is a matter of saving people’s lives or avoiding accidents.”

Mr Shillabeer said that around 35% of the houses visited in Roxby presented little things that needed to be fixed, like gates not closing properly or not at the right height and even lack of safety barriers.

“Sometimes people may think that because their children are grown-ups or that they can swim well it is not necessary to have a safety barrier around their pool, but they can be having a barbeque one day and

put other people’s children in danger.

“I think it’s great that children can learn how to swim in their backyard and pools are a lot of fun but they can be very dangerous too,” Mr Shillabeer told The Monitor.

The officer also said that for those who haven’t had their pools inspected yet and know that they need little adjustments; to make sure they are pro-active and get it fixed before the inspection.

Also, for those who want to have their pools inspected, to contact Roxby Council, so they can arrange that as soon as possible.

“Many people in Roxby rent their homes and might need to contact their landlords in order to get things fixed and if they need us to provide a letter saying what it is, so they can present to the house owner, then it can be done.”

Mr Shillabeer said BHP was contacted and has been very understanding about any maintenance that needs to be made in any of the houses owned by the company.

But the main message is to never forget to supervise children near pools, rivers, beaches, nappy buckets, fish ponds, dams and bathtubs because it takes only seconds for a child to drown.

Water Safety Tips at Home: • Supervision means constant visual contact, not the occasionally glance.

• If you leave the pool or water area, even for a moment, take the children with you.

• A swimming pool fence is not a substitute for supervision.

• Display a resuscitation chart on your pool fence.

• Familiarise children with water by taking them to lessons at the local pool.

• Empty paddle pools when they are not in use.

• Empty baths, basins, sinks and troughs immediately after use.

• Pool Fences - Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Barriers

Roxby Road Safe members with David Miller from the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (centre).

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 3

COMMUNITY MATTERS

A Community Conversation With Michelle Hales

I was delighted to accept an invitation to write a monthly column for the Monitor. This is a chance to explore topics related to my work in the community. However, when I sat down to write the reality hit home: where do I begin?, what theme should I cover?, and what are the priority topics. I then pondered the biggest question of all - what will be of interest to readers?. After some internal debate I settled on the notion that this column could be a conversation with the community - a sharing of my thoughts, reflections and observations.

So with these thoughts in mind I begin this journey having a chat about community diversity and harmony. Since my arrival in Roxby Downs over four years ago the number of people arriving from overseas has grown considerably. This cultural diversity is fantastic because it is a chance for us to learn about different cultures and celebrate both differences and the things we have in common.

You may not be aware but there are currently 34 nationalities living in our community. People have arrived here from all over the world from places like Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Nigeria.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to move to a remote region in Australia from overseas where the principal language is different to your own. Remote locations can be socially isolating for anyone regardless of where you have come from.

For overseas arrivals cultural adjustment may take some time but we, as a community, can lend a hand by making people feel welcome and help them develop a sense of belonging. We all should make the effort because we are all newcomers and have all experienced similar challenges.

I still wonder whether we are doing enough to recognise this cultural diversity. We have great programs like the Big Warm Welcome and the Multicultural Group but as a community can we do more? Are we catering to the growing religious diversity?, are our local shops providing access to foods from different cultures?, is community information available in other languages? From observation I do think we are making good progress.

But to do more we need more information and this means we have to listen and share thoughts and ideas with each other.

The annual calendar of events from Multicultural SA landed on my desk during the week and I was really surprised to learn that national days of celebration of countries around the world occur on 266 days of the year. What amazing diversity!

As an example New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day on February 6, the South Africans celebrate Freedom Day on April 27 and Chile’s National Day occurs on September 18.

Another important day in Australia is Harmony Day which falls on March 21. This national day promotes respect, fairness and sense of belonging for everyone. This is a timely reminder for us to reflect on the wonderful cultural diversity in our own community.

Michelle Hales is the Community Development Officer of Roxby Downs Council and Executive Officer of the Roxby Downs Community Board.

An initiative of the Environment Forum

G reen tip Did you know?

Saving water in the bathroom: - Use an egg timer to time your showers.

- Young kids love showering together - it’s fun for them and challenging too if they have to beat the timer (and you use half the water).

- If you want a long soak, a bath will use less water than a long shower.

Medals for CFS volunteers

By Celeste Lustosa

Nature’s disasters are a part of the Australian way of life and it is needless to say how important Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers are important for all communities around the country.

South Australia has around 15,500 CFS volunteers; 25 of those in Roxby Downs.

Four teen of Roxby Downs, Andamooka and Woomera volunteers received a medal last week

that volunteered to help on Victoria’s bushfire.

He also added that “there are lots of training provided to the volunteers and they can take the skills they learn interstate and for other jobs.”

R oxby D owns CFS Captain Brett Atkins said they are always recruiting people.

“We are always recruiting new volunteers and there are many ways that people can help, even with

about CFS, how to join and what you can do to help, come along to one of their trainings.

CFS Training times: Roxby Downs - Thursday s at 7pm Andamooka – Thursdays at 7.30 pm Woomera – Mondays at 7pm Medal winners: Roxby Downs Brett Atkins, Helmut Pfeifer, Jason Carroll and Stephen Scarr

CFS Volunteers from Roxby Downs, Andamooka and Woomers at last week’s service medal presentations. in recognition for all their hard work with CFS along the years.

“This is a little way of saying thank you for their service over the years,” said the Regional CFS Commander Mick Obst.

According to the commander, the volunteers have been doing a wonderful job but there are a few challenges that CFS has to overcome.

“In the regional areas like here we often face the fact that volunteers move to the cities.

“It is also very challenging to get day time crew members, and some employers are more understanding than others, so we urge all businesses to understand the importance of these volunteers to the communities,” he said.

According to the Commander, certificates of recognition have been given to employers that were more flexible with the employees

admin work or being on the radio, which is a very important part of our job,” he said.

Last Mtendeudza is one of the CFS volunteers in Roxby and he told The Monitor it is really rewarding to join this service.

“To be able to be a volunteer is an amazing thing for me, as when my wife and I had our baby volunteers made a huge difference for us, helping us out with the baby, when we didn’t know anyone here.

“I hope I can help other people the same way someday because the community spirit we have in Roxby really touches me,” he said.

Geoffrey has been a volunteer for two years and at the age of 82 he is the proof that all you need is a very good heart and to be willing to make a difference in order to join the CFS team.

To get more information

Woomera Simon Turner and Bernard McCarthy Andamooka Darrell Wright, Jade Burns, Thomas Radford, Josef Sach, Stefan Bilka, Max Thompson, Peter McReady and David Allen.

In these testing times, the community turns to our emergency services volunteers, who put their lives at risk to protect lives and property.

Australians have a long and proud tradition of pulling together in times of adversity. Volunteering is a part of this culture and a way of life that makes South Australia great.

The Volunteer Recognition Awards are a way in which the nation expresses its appreciation for the volunteers’ work, so to all the brave ones congratulations and thank you!

Op Shop will re-open soon Get ready to renew your wardrobe.

Andamooka Country Women’s Association (CWA) Op Shop re-opens on Saturday, February 27.

All the things they sell in the shop come from donations from residents of this region and some from Adelaide and the money is used to support charity in the Roxby Downs and Andamooka communities.

Everyone who works in the CWA Op Page 4 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

CFS Captain Brett Atkins receives his service medals from Regional Commander, Mick Obst.

Shop is a volunteer.

The CWA Op-shop volunteers also collect and distribute clothes, toys and gifts to the Marree community several times a year.

The shop is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9am – 1pm, but it doesn’t open when it’s raining. To find out more information, or to express your interest in volunteering call 8672 7044, 8672 7171 or 8672 7125.

www.themonitor.com.au

MEETING DATES

- Education & Workplace Forum 25 February 3.15pm - Sport & Recreation Forum 2 March 7.30pm - Health Forum 2 March 6.30pm - Environment Forum 9 March 7.30pm - Roxby Road Safe 11 March 5.30pm - Arts and Culture 24 March 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

Community team up for new defibrillator

A

NEWS

By Celeste Lustosa

ndamooka residents have just showed the big community spirit they have got, as they teamed up and raised close to $30,000 to buy a new defibrillator for the Health Services in town.

The money was raised over months at various events and donations, plus a contribution from BHP, and it was handed to the Frontier Services, so the new equipment could be purchased.

Frontier Services Regional Manager, Marina Izatt visited Andamooka last week to personally acknowledge their effort and support.

“What this community did was a great achievement and we want to acknowledge their effort.

“The energy and enthusiasm they have put into a different range of activities over months was amazing which made it possible for them to raise so much money,” Mrs Izatt said.

According to the Manager, BHP Billiton’s expansion will cause a lot of impact in Andamooka’s community and on the health services.

“We always hope we wouldn’t need to use a defibrillator, but this is definitely a very important piece of equipment to have available,” she said.

The new defibrillator has many functions and can be used to check patient’s oxygen levels, monitor patients and has

a lot of different functions that the old equipment didn’t have.

It can be used in the clinic but because it is portable it can also be used on the road, inside an ambulance.

“This new equipment can be taken anywhere, which means that many more patients can benefit from it,” Mrs Izatt said.

Mrs Izatt had many nice things to say about Andamooka’s community spirit.

“This community has always been supportive to the local clinic, not only fundraising but also being very active volunteers.”

A defibrillator saves lives and Andamooka’s residents took the matter in their hands and made it happen, because they understand the importance of having the kit available nearby.

They can all feel very proud for their achievement. But all we can hope for is that our loving neighbours don’t ever need to use the brand new equipment.

About Frontier Services - The issues of distance, isolation and access to services continue to challenge Australians living in the Outback. Almost 100 years ago, John Flynn (“Flynn of the Inland”) pioneered medical and other programs to try and address these issues.

Today, Frontier Services carries on that work and is the major provider of aged care, health and community services, and pastoral support to people in Outback Australia.

Di Williams from Frontier Services at Andamooka demonstrates on a dummy how the new defibrallator should be used

Candidates Your chance to join your local Natural Resources beware – mind Management Group your signs!

A

pplications are now open for membership of the SA Arid Lands (SAAL) Natural Resources Management

(NRM) Board’s six district-based NRM Groups and members of the Arid Lands community with an active interest in natural resources management in their area are encouraged to apply.

There are currently five active NRM Groups in the region representing the North Flinders, MarreeInnamincka, Marla-Oodnadatta, Kingoonya and Gawler Ranges districts.

And the Board is particularly keen to establish a sixth NRM Group in the North East district for the first time.

‘Community members involved at this level are a vital, practical link for the communities they represent providing a local perspective and ensuring the Board’s programs are locally relevant,’ said Mr John Gavin, General Manager of the SAAL NRM Board.

‘The majority of Group members live in the district or are involved in natural resources management in the area.’

Groups are skills-based with members selected based on their knowledge of areas such as local community affairs, mining and petroleum, tourism, primary production, soil conservation, water resources management, local governance, Aboriginal heritage and business administration.

‘Our NRM Groups are actively engaged with the delivery of projects and have been instrumental in driving a range of the Board’s recent projects and initiatives,’ said Mr Gavin.

‘The North Flinders NRM Group, for example, have driven the Biteback program for dingo control and are involved in oleander and cactus control in the Flinders Ranges.’

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

W

ith the formal commencement of the State Election the Local Government Association said candidates should be reminded of all laws that apply to placing campaign posters in public places and on roadsides.

‘And the Marla-Oodnadatta and Kingoonya NRM Groups have both set-up trials of the Ecosystem Management Understanding project, an informal approach to sustainable land management that combines pastoralist experience with scientific expertise.’

To register your interest in becoming an NRM Group member or for further information contact theBoard’s office 8648 5977 or visit our website www.saalnrm.sa.gov. au.

If you are not sure which NRM district you belong to visit www.saalnrm.sa.gov.au and download from the front page a map of the region and its six districts.

Applications close on 5 March 2010.

www.themonitor.com.au

LGA President, Mayor Felicityann Lewis said after the writs were issued on Saturday, South Australians can expect that public roads will be festooned with Election material.

“However it’s not Rafferty’s rules by any means,” she said indicating that at least four State Acts of Parliament and three owners of infrastructure needed to be considered.

“To help candidates and parties the LGA has brought together the Electoral Commission, ETSA Utilities and the Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure to put all the requirements in a set of model guidelines for Councils,” Mayor Lewis said.

Mayor Lewis said that it was illegal to attach signs to poles on footpaths or roads without prior approval of Councils and prior to the issuing of election writs.

She said that Councils and media regularly fielded public complaints about such signs related visual pollution, litter, road safety issues or candidates failing to remove signs after the elec-

tions.

Posters must not be attached to trees, shrubs or other plants on Council property or on Government parks, reserves and roadside verges. There are also strict guidelines for pedestrian and motorist safety which include restrictions on the height of signage placement, the distance signs are placed from intersections and that they must not be placed on traffic signs or on traffic lights.

Mayor Lewis said under the Act and depending on Council by-laws, moveable signs (similar to “A” frame real estate signs) can be placed on a roadside without requesting permission, provided signs are not put up before the Governor announces the writ for the election and are removed within 48 hours of the close of polls on 20 March 2010.

“If in any doubt candidates should seek clarification from the Electoral Commission of SA or Councils but ignorance of the law is no excuse,” Mayor Lewis said. The LGA released its updated guidelines in January and they can be found here: www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/electionsigns Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 5

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Between a rock and a hard metal place!

By Millie Thomas

For all you head banging, self respecting Black Sabbath fans, you illustrious Iron Maiden devotees, the time has come to bow your heads with respect, for one of your own is leaving.

Darren Stephens has rocked your Sunday nights with his Metal Meltdown on Rox FM for over a year now, and it is time for him to take his talents elsewhere.

Darren Stephens has lived and worked up here in Roxby with his family for over 2 ½ years, working as geologist for BHPB. His passion for metal music was released upon the community in the second half of 2008 and Darren has never looked back.

He started off at the radio station in March ’08, filling in for a previous presenter, Steve, (part of a duo act) and once the two presenters moved on, Darren filled the spot permanently, in around October 2008. It was his first time ever radio presenting, his only experience listening to Steve and Sam’s show and filling in where needed. “I never envisaged myself on the radio… I hate the sound of my own voice!” said Darren. “It (radio presenting) kind of grew on me over the last year and a bit.

I’ve heard that elsewhere (in cities etc) that to get on the radio you actually have to do a degree to get into it which is why living in a community like this is pretty cool, you can give things like that a go.”

Darren has poured himself into the position, providing Roxby with “head smashing” tunes. Be warned, this music is not for the faint hearted, and if feeling a little

feeble on a Sunday after indulging in a bit of social excitement over the weekend, if metal is not your forte, best leave the radio turned down. “It’s a lifelong journey (my love for metal). It started when I was in year 7, listening to Twisted Sister and ACDC. It (choice of music) progressively got heavier and heavier and heavier.”

Darren is leaving Roxby to pursue work at a coal mine in Blackwater in Queensland. “I’m leaving so I can gain a bit of career diversification,” said Darren, but doesn’t think he will continue broadcasting up there. “There probably won’t be a community radio station as Blackwater is near the coast, and there will be a lot of bigger radio stations broadcasted into the town.”

So after living in Roxby for over 2 ½ years and being involved in community broadcasting will Darren and his wife Michelle and two sons Ethan and Aidan miss Roxby? “I will miss Roxby; I always miss it even when I go to Melbourne. It’s nice to come back here where you can see a stranger in the supermarket and you’ll get a smile and a wink instead of a scowl and an elbow to the side of the head (like in Melbourne) and that’s the difference.

“For my sons it’s a mixed bag of emotions. They’re sad to be leaving town and at the same time excited for the big tree in the backyard of the new place which they’re looking forward to climbing.”

So if you share the same passion for head bashing, the same love for Led Zeppelin, give Rox FM a call and see if you can’t fill Darren’s shoes.

Julie Ann serves up her famous mixed grill

Thirty years of experience and a casual atmosphere sets the scene

By Millie Thomas

U

pon opening, Olympic Dam Catering was the talk of the town, filled to the brim every night both with families and a large presence of men from Camp One.

Darren Stephens bids adieu to Roxby

Since the opening two years ago, things have calmed down, but the casual atmosphere and easy going attitude remains the same, providing for a relaxing evening out.

Situated within the Olympic Dam Football Club, Julie Ann Martlew is the second owner of ODC, having taken over from Tony Wilkinson in March last year. She leases the kitchen from the football club, and both the bar (which is run by Chandler McLeod) and the kitchen work together to provide service to the customers.

Julie Ann has had lifelong experience within the hospitality industry, having grown up with

her parents owning numerous well known pubs in Port Pirie and Adelaide. She has worked in venues such as the Sussex hotel for 18 months and the Caledonian hotel (situated in Walkerville and North Adelaide) as well as locally at the Tavern for two and a half years.

The menu offers a range of meals from seafood to steak, as well as the illustrious ODC Burger and Swiss Chicken and Mixed Grill dishes. The ODC team in the past has catered for CFIT Awards night (Contractor Framework Implementation Team) and celebrations when a local won the lottery.

The good nature of this venue provides for a great night out.

The customer base is made up of mostly men from camp one, who quickly familiarise themselves with the staff from both the bar and the kitchen.

The kitchen runs meals six nights a week, from 6pm to 9pm.

Sundays and public holidays are

the only time they are closed. Julie Ann, business owner, manager and head chef of ODC stressed that if someone would like to make a booking on Sundays, the kitchen will accommodate for you the flexible nature of the business is second to none.

This year, Julie Ann is releasing a new menu (April) and organising ladies’ days to encourage women from town to come out.

Platters and catering for functions is a regular occurrence for ODC, who offer either set menus or a “choose your own” in which the customer is able to choose what they’d like on the platters, or in the buffet meals (which can be anything from one to three courses long) and food can be delivered or picked up.

From Clayton’s nights to weddings, Christmas functions to 21sts, ODC caters for it all.

Fresh bread smell at the Roxby Shopping Centre R

By Celeste Lustosa

oxby Shopping Centre had the yummy tomers and a coffee machine is also coming next week,” fresh bread smell this morning (February she said. also said that special deals and loyalty cards 19th) as the new bakery opened its doors willLauren be available soon. for business.

Robert and Matthew are father and son and Matthew Bakery’s owners Lauren, Robert and Matthew are willing to provide a friendly and central environment for Roxby residents to have a bite.

“We are going to have nice tables and chairs so people have the option to eat here.

“And we want to have a TV here so children have something to entertain them,” Lauren said.

The bakery will sell all gourmet breads, cakes, slices, pasties, pizzas, sausage rolls, salad wraps, foccacia and much more.

“There are still a couple of things that are not available but we will have a great range of products to our cusPage 6 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

is the fifth generation of bakers in the family.

“We have run bakeries before and Robert has over 36 years experience as a baker.

“Matthew follows his father’s step and has won many first prize trophies in cooking competitions over the years,” Lauren pointed out.

The bakery will be opened every day from 5am until 6pm from Mondays to Saturdays and from 7am until 3pm on Sundays.

The bakery owners have been in Roxby for only four months but they love the town and are looking forward to serving the community with fresh and delicious products. www.themonitor.com.au

Bakers Robert and Matt are happy with the number of clients last weekend THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

OPINION

EDITORIAL Circus is here!

After months of pseudo campaigning by major political parties, the main circus has hit the State after election writs were issued on Saturday and Mike Rann and his Ministers became the care taker government.

After the diatribe of comment from some very opinionated columnists in the weekend papers we are in for a torrid time with the tabloid experts telling us their thoughts and political promises and one-upmanship from the candidates. Two days in and I’m already over it. On the face of it a campaign of just a month doesn’t seem like much and if a week is a long time in politics, a month will be like an eternity.

We the voters have to sift through all the promises from the parties and decide who we believe to be the best options to lead the State for the next four years.

A big task but never-the-less it is one we should be thankful we have.

The growing number of independent and minor parties may make a difference this time around, with the Greens running candidates in almost every seat in the House of Assembly and trying to win another seat in the Legislative Council. It does make for interesting politics and perhaps a more bi-partisan approach to governing the State, and that may not be a bad thing.

In this seat of Giles we have three candidates running giving us a selection of people from different backgrounds and different ideologies. All have different agendas, but all share a common goal in delivering what they believe to be in the best interests of the constituents and the State.

TEXT TALK

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

0408 267 358

Southern Expressway finally to go both ways

News in brief

The State Government has decided to end the farcical one-way regime of the Southern Expressway and duplicate it so that traffic can flow both ways, simultaneously.

Premier Mike Rann says that combined with the cost of building a new $75 million interchange at Darlington – which triggered the need to duplicate the expressway - the whole project will cost an estimated $445 million.

Construction will begin at the end of next year and should be completed in mid 2014.

Premier Mike Rann says the Government’s intention to duplicate the Southern Expressway is flagged in the draft 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide, released for public consultation in July last year.

Mr Rann is releasing the finalised 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide today.

Streaky Bay residents upset

Streaky Bay residents are angry about a website travel article which describes the town as a “tiny, rather unimportant town”.

Streaky Bay tourism, arts and community development officer Jayne Holland says the article on the Melbourne Age website is riddled with errors including one glaring mis-

take that names a contact person who died more than a decade ago.

She also says events that no longer happen have been listed, as has a caravan park that closed about a decade ago.

When asked what she would say to The Age Traveller section editor, Ms Holland said she would write and invite them to actually visit Streaky Bay.

Concessions for seniors

The South Australian Government has promised to increase concessions for up to 250,000 South Australians, including seniors and low-income earners.

From July, energy concessions will rise from a maximum of $120 per year to $150.

Premier Mike Rann says a range of concessions will be increased this year and followed by annual five per cent rises for the next three years.

He says the extension of concessions to low-income earners will benefit another 20,000 people.

Ross Womersley of the SA Council of Social Service is pleased with the rise but says concessions are struggling to keep pace with the rapid increases in some energy bills.

Seniors Voice chief executive Ian Yates says water is still too expensive for pensioners.

Country teens can’t get short shifts: MP

Federal Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey says the sackings of five teenagers from a country supermarket makes the Federal Government’s Fair Work laws look stupid.

The MP says the Government needs to amend the legislation.

Five teenagers were sacked from the supermarket at Wirrabara in South Australia because the Fair Work Act would not let them work fewer than three hours per shift.

Mr Ramsey says by the time the teenagers get home from school, they can only spare 1.5 hours for work.

He argues the laws need to be more flexible, especially for staff and businesses in country areas.

Innaminka gets best rains in years

Many outback communities in South Australia have had some of their best rain in a decade.

Innamincka resident John Osborne says the rain was consistent in the past week and a weekend downpour means the Cooper Creek is now about eight metres deep.

He says water is about to flow down the Strzelecki Creek for the first time since the early 1990s.

LETTERS Disappointed

to the editor netballers

I am writing to express my disappointment with Roxby Leisure, in regards to the Wednesday netball competition held 17/02/2010.

I and many other are absolutely livid that your company choose to support out of town businesses instead of the locals that support you. If it wasn’t for ‘our’ support, as in the 12 netball teams playing every Wednesday night, who pay you over $400 a week you wouldn’t be able to provide jobs. This equates to payments in excess of $15,000.

This week we turn up to play netball at 6pm and there are karate kids on the netball court, and we are told that we need to play outside in the 38 degrees. Why weren’t teams phoned, all contact numbers are provided

on nomination? Teams should have been given the option to play outside, or play at a later timeslot once it had to be played outside.

Why was A grade able to play inside, whilst B grade was moved outside? I am certain you had plenty of notice that Bed-E-buys were in the auditorium.

In case you don’t realise a lot of players are Mums bring along their children to netball. The children are the ones who spend the money at your canteen. There’s little or no shade outside and the courts are baking out in the sun. The duty manager had to cop our complaints, supplies us with some water, and in return no fees are paid. This is not fair on the staff that was rostered on; they were

just trying to do their job.

As long as I have lived in Roxby (10+ years) we have played indoors. A business from out of town comes in for one weekend a month, which doesn’t support locals, doesn’t provide jobs for locals and we have to move. I can’t see the logic.

The local papers have been running stories telling us to support locals. Ballet was being performed in the squash courts, karate on the netball courts and netball was played outside in 38 degrees. FYI – players lasted 2 quarters, totalling 14 minutes and had to end the game.

Surely we are not being unreasonable.

Jodie Brind Tangoes Netball Team

Last week’s Hot Topic: Do you think kids working after school should be able to work a minimum of 1.5 hours?

Kids often need to work shorter hours for reasons like home work – so don’t penalise them with restrictive and draconian laws that are not needed.

JR, Roxby These Fair Work rules are stupid. They affect kids as well as employers. A great way to stick the boot into small business again. This government won’t be happy until all small business has gone.

Battler Michelle Who - while the media feed on this frenzy she will continue her stalking of the premier.

Can no one see this was staged to the second and four years has elapsed since this so called “affair”.

Why now? The Liberals had better hope they are not found in the shadows of this one. Remember the Dodgy Document Affair that cost Hamilton-Smith his leadership.

Suspicious Have a look how many food product labels have HALAL logo of approval. What kick-back does this religious organisation get and why? Does it mean their people get preferential employment where these products are made?

W. N. Saw the tat story. If women think tats are appealing they’re so wrong. More and more people are going stupid with tats all over them. Those people who are scarred for life with large birth marks or burn scars have no choice about their “body art” - you do!

Tatless in Roxby Can’t understand why a man who derives his income from a mining town would run for a party so against mining.

JD, Roxby

HOT C I TOP

“What is the best way to reduce the road toll in SA?”

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday,February 24, 2010 – Page 7

NEWS

‘Amen’ to the next 10 years

By Celeste Lustosa

B

Von Hombsch has also been part of the school’s history ack in 1989 a group of parents investigated the possibility of bussing their children to St as all four of her children have studied or are studying at Barb’s and she is now a parent and staff member for Joseph’s in Woomera, but the dirt road would St years now. have meant a long drive at the best of times.

“We are a Catholic family and it just suited perfectly with So discussions and surveys about the possibility of having a Catholic School in Roxby Downs began and St Barbara’s Parish School was officially blessed and opened in November 2000 by the most reverent Eugene Hurley, former Bishop of Port Pirie.

The name St Barbara was an obvious choice as she is the patron saint of miners.

It has been 10 years and the school that started with 73 students kept growing and has now approximately 200 students from Reception to Year 7.

“St Barbara’s provides a values based education recognising the unique nature of every student while striving to provide a comprehensive educational experience for all children that takes into account the intellectual, moral, spiritual, religious, physical and social capabilities of each student,” said the school’s principal Bernadette Lacey.

“This school is stridently and proudly Catholic. The stories of the Catholic faith are told here.

“Religious Education is a component of the curriculum and in addition to that the ethos of Catholicism spills over into the school culture. Jesus Christ’s values of justice, compassion, forgiveness and honesty are paramount”.

Sisters Kelly and Chloe Reid are a good example of how important St Barb’s has become to the Catholic families in Roxby.

Kelly is 18 now and she studied at St Barb’s the first year it was operating.

“I studied at St Barb’s from year 3 until year 7 and I loved it here. We are a Catholic family and it is important for my parents that my two sisters and I had an education based on Catholic values and learn about religion,” she said.

Her sister Chloe is 8 and studying at St Barb’s and is now at year 4.

“I love studying here and I have many friends.

“It is very nice to learn about Easter and Christmas,” the little girl said.

Kelly says lots have changed at the school in these 10 years.

“The church was in a different place and the playground is new but also before there were just a few students in the class so it was very personal.”

the values we have been teaching our children.

“I have been working here for five years now and it has been really good to see how the school grew.”

In order to celebrate the10 years in Roxby, the Parents and Friends of St Barbara’s Association is promoting St Patrick’s Day Ball on March 20th, from 8pm until midnight.

All the fun will take place at the Auditorium and tickets can be purchased at the school’s front office.

“We want to encourage everyone to come along for a great night of entertainment with live band, games, full bar facilities and great supper,” said Tamara Sulzberger the president of the Parents and Friends Association.

“We also want to thank all the Roxby community for their support over the last 10 years and that’s why we would like everyone to come and celebrate with us.

“It is also going to be good fun if everyone is dressed up with St Patrick’s theme,” she said.

Marissa, Rose and Melissa ate their pancakes together at St. Barb’s Pancake Day for Shrove Tuesday

Kelly Reid studied at St Barbaras 10 years ago and little sister Chloe is in year 4 now

Daniel was excited to recieve a lunch of pancakes at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake day celebrations at St. Barbaras.

Congratulations St. Barbara’s Primary School on 10 years of education in Roxby Downs Page 8 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

NEWS

Fresh seafood in the outback?

Something’s fishy in Roxby Downs!

But it’s all good news with the move by long established and well respected Port Pirie fish mongers S. D. Caputo and Sons expanding their deliveries of fresh and frozen fish into Roxby Downs.

For almost 60 years now S. D. Caputo and Sons has been supplying seafood predominantly from the Spencer Gulf, but as business has grown they also source product from as far as Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne as well as aquaculture product from the West Coast.

Roxby Downs, Woomera and Andamooka residents can now access Caputo’s wide range of seafood products and daily deliveries are available to this area for retail and wholesale customers.

Company director and son of the one of the original partners of the business, Sebastian Mezzino said if the business expands as they hope, they will run one of the refrigerated vans to the area weekly to meet any extra demand for product. They run similar services to the Iron Triangle, Clare Valley and Copper Coast once a week.

For the people of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla, S. D. Caputo and Sons needs no introduction as their name is synonymous with quality product and service.

The late S. D. Caputo and his son Domenic and Mauro Mezzino founded the business in 1951 which was originally known as the Solly Fish Shop.

The helpful and friendly retail staff at Caputo’s Port Pirie shop, display just a few samples of fresh fish available daily. From left they are Vic Caputo, Lisa Ballaco and Joanne Angione.

Fresh fish sales have grown as more people become aware of the health benefits After a couple of years the business expanded across the road to where it is currently located in Port Pirie and has expanded to twice its original size.

Being professional fishermen the partners decided rather than sell their catch to Adelaide and Melbourne markets, they would cut out the middle man and started delivering fish in Port Pirie and nearby country towns.

History now shows how successful that operation became, with Garfish, King George Whiting, Snook, Snapper, Tommy Ruff and Squid the main catches. Sebastian said within a few years his father and grandfather began a relationship with SAFCOL in Adelaide, and were purchasing about 90% of the filleted fish from S. D. Caputo and Sons.

Pictured filleting some of the fresh catch of Garfish at the Caputo factory last week is Matt Laver.

It was in 1970 the business diversified into the prawn industry and again supplied the product to SAFCOL and later started processing their own catch for the same company.

Sebastian told The Monitor that necessitated them cooking, grading, tailing and freezing the prawns in 10kg cartons.

“At that time the business was processing between 50 and 60 tons of prawns per year and employing up to 30 casual staff,” he said.

Today prawn trawlers have been significantly upgraded and incorporate grading machines, cookers and snap freezers on board and operators now have the capacity to sell directly to wholesalers locally and internationally. Caputos therefore don’t employ as many staff now,

but according to Sebastian the quality of prawns has improved significantly.

Over the years business for the Caputo and Mezzino families has changed direction slightly and today they concentrate more on the retail side, which had grown considerably due to improved marketing of seafood to the more astute and health conscious consumers.

While the direction of the original business may have changed marginally, it is still very much a family owned and operated business and as regular customers know the staff at the Port Pirie outlet all comes under the “family” umbrella, as evidenced by their genuine care and attention to detail when serving their many customers.

Roxby Clean-up Australia on a new date

By Celeste Lustosa Once again, it’s time to gather together and help clean up our town for Clean Up Australia Day 2010.

In 2010 Clean Up Australia Day also celebrates its 20th national anniversary and each and every single piece of rubbish you pick up makes a difference.

Clean up Australia Day in Roxby will be on Sunday, March 14th from 9.30 am, kicking off from the Lion’s Park.

“It was going to be on the 7th of March, but we are doing the clean up on the 14th instead as its a long weekend in SA on the 7th and many people would be out of town,” said Roxby Clean Up co-

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

ordinator, Stephen Moss.

Volunteers will pick up rubbish for a couple of hours, heading off in groups armed with a pickup-stick and a rubbish sack to fill.

Mr Moss has always credited the success of the day to the volunteers who show up and the generosity of local sponsors and he says once again they are counting on sponsors in order to promote a barbecue after the hard work.

“We want to do a barbecue for all the volunteers, so we’re looking for a sponsor for that.

“And we also want to thank Roxby bakery that is giving rolls and bread for this barbeque.”

If you are willing to sponsor the barbeque, please contact Stephen Moss on 0417 806 910.

Everyone is welcome to join the group on the day!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 9

FAREWELL

eley Theresa Badd tner el W and Phillipa ’s at Rod Ford farewell drinks on Sunday

HAPPY!

Rory was all smiles at market day

CHURCH

Os & Cornelia t Van Rooyen a h Anglican churc on Sunday

PRAISE!

oys Little Angel enjet rk a M st fir her Day with mom Jodie

ay Church on Sund

BARGAIN!

ROTARY

nica Sarah and De t a g in p shop n market day o . y a rd tu Sa

Ford Helen and Rodir last e th f o at one g in Rotary meetin ka o o Andam

BUTTERFLY

WELCOME!

er Marissa had h y b face painted d n a Sopana looked

ark Alexander, M ne Ja r and Ambe ents are new resid ka in Andamoo

WELCOME!

COLOURFUL

Noela Wendy, Avril, t and Sister Pa ’s y welcome Roxbr te is new min Page 10 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

a at Jenny Poutameting e the Rotary m ka in Andamoo last week.

Reinhardt, Lea irsty Megan and Klican Viljoen at Ang

cob Alisan and Ja cia Lu nd and Pat a n at the Anglica n o Church Sunday

MARKET DAY

ROTARY

PARISHONnnERe,S

girls Relay for Life at m Coral and Pa Market Day

www.themonitor.com.au

GOODBYE

r Donna Walke to says goodbye Rod Ford

HIP HIP HOORAY!

rlotte with Lucy and Cha y to sing ad re e Su Nana ay for Happy Birthd

Fairy Princess

Ella

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Sodexo supports family ties

R

By Millie Thomas

oll up, roll up, and eat your grits and corn bread and for goodness sakes get your billy cart rolling into town, for the inaugural Sodexo 2010 Billy Cart Bash is nearing.

This unique event is pulling the wider community together to raise funds for the Health Services Auxiliary, on Sunday March 28.

Proudly sponsored by The Monitor Newspaper, and Platinum sponsors Sodexo, who provide Quality of Life services

Whilst Sodexo haven’t been involved in any community events such as this before, they are proud sponsors of other community organisations such as the Andamooka Football club, RoxFM, Roxby Golf Club and several other smaller events throughout the year “We’d be crazy if we didn’t say that we would be getting quite a bit of exposure from this event, but our main objective (in our involvement) is to support the community and events that benefit the community.”

The man who connected the ideas man (Karl Scothern) and Sodexo, Jack Maguire, is excited to be a part of this event. “It is always a pleasure to be a part of a collaboration that is only not only good for local

It was a happy time when Bishop Garry welcomed Reverend Mary Lewis to lead the church in Roxby.

Community welcomes new Minister for the Christian Church

By Celeste Lustosa Roxby Downs Christian Community Church (RDCCC) and the Andamooka Community Church commenced a new stage of their Parishes with the arrival of Reverend Mary Lewis. She was welcomed by the community in a special service last Sunday, February 21st.

Mrs Lewis and her husband Owen have recently moved to Roxby Downs for an initial term of four years.

They have previously worked as GPs in regional South Australia and Nepal.

Reverend Mary comes from a mining family with great grandfathers being engineers in mines, a miner grandfather and her father was an engineer in Broken Hill. That means that she is very familiar with the peculiarities of our communities of Roxby and Andamooka.

She and her husband Owen acted as medical missionaries for 14 years with CMS – Australia in Nepal.

Mary and Owen have four children and are feeling very welcome here.

“I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome and we are very excited about getting to know and get involved with the community,” she said.

She added that “communities like Roxby Downs

make people stronger.”

She also acknowledged the foreigners that live in our town and the challenges that they go through.

“We know there are many people living in Roxby that came from other countries, even to have better opportunities and we want to support them.”

Roxby’s administrator Bill Boehm was present at the ceremony and was very pleased to welcome the new Reverend and her husband.

“We are very happy to welcome Reverend Mary and her husband Owen and I am sure I speak for the whole Roxby Downs community.

“This is a young and diverse community and her experience will be rewarding for all of us,” Mr Boehm said.

Sister Pat Hogan was also there to welcome the couple.

“You will see the light of Jesus Christ in everyone here,” she said.

Reverend Mary will lead two worship times each week during Lent. These worship times will last about 45 minutes and will be held in the church on Tuesday mornings at 6am and Thursdays afternoons at 5pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Fresh products in your backyard

BELOW: Laura and Paul Trotta enjoy working in their lovely Roxby garden.

By Celeste Lustosa Laura and Paul Trotta are very proud of their garden as they should be considering that their backyard is filled with colour and the smell of fresh product.

When they moved to R oxby D owns, Laura wasn’t very satisfied with the products she found here, regarding fruit and veggies.

“I like to cook with the freshest organic products you can find and I wasn’t very happy with the products we found here.

“I was used to buying these products at markets where they are fresh but we don’t have this option here unfortunately,” Laura said.

The couple started with an organic garden, a small plot – 3 m to 5m and they kept expanding it every year as they were getting more confident on what they were doing.

“For those who have no

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Sodexo Operations Manager, Scott Randall, Jack Maguire, Karl Scothern, Sodexo Senioer Project Manager Tony Treloar with Renae Scother and her son Byron. to 1900 men and women who live in our single men’s camps (camp one in town and camp three in Olympic Dam) are enthusiastic about becoming more involved in the community of Roxby Downs, by supporting local businesses and community events such as this.

Sodexo has already started to make an impact upon our community, by recently changing their fresh bread suppliers to local business Roxby Bakery. But the buck doesn’t stop there.

As platinum sponsors to the Billy Cart Bash, Sodexo hopes to strengthen family ties within our community. As the saying goes, happy mum, happy family and happy families provide for a happier Roxby! “We want to get right behind the community and support relationships between parents and children, help them spend more quality time together,” said Scott Randall, Operations Manager at Sodexo, Olympic Dam.

entrepreneurs, local businesses and the local economy, but also for the community of Roxby Downs.,” he said.

So why should you get involved? Well with the weather outlook from here on in being sunny, sunny, sunny, it’s a perfect excuse to get out of the house and get involved in an event that doesn’t entail sitting at a bar or in front of a TV. And, in the end it benefits you.

“It’s fantastic that we can put together events that are significant in strengthening families by encouraging everyone to be involved in an event that is not only fun, but allows them to participate as a family unit. Holistically, the benefits are tangible and many for the whole community,” said Jack.

With all profit of this event going to the Roxby Health Services Auxiliary, amenities and facilities at the Hospital will start to get a facelift, and those well needed services such as a fully working X Ray machine may well be in sight.

experience in gardening, a good way to start is with the Mediterranean plants as you cannot really go wrong with them.”

They now grow a good variety of things such as capsicums, beans, chillies, strawberries, cucumber, pumpkins, basil, zucchini and much more. They also have a rare breed of chicken in their backyard.

“We have also got chickens, a rare breed and we feed them with the things we have in the garden and the chicken poo turns into compost for the garden, so one thing adds to the other.

“We decided to go with the uncommon ones because I try to encourage people to get these rare animals and plants in order to help them keep going,” Laura told The Monitor.

Laura and Paul also pointed that nowadays there are many ways to

learn about gardening.

“There are so many books about gardening and one specific one about organic garden was used by us as a guide and what helped us start. We got many tips from there.

“Paul also listens to this program on ABC radio about gardening that is really good.”

There are also TV shows and infinite material available on the internet but Paul’s father is their main mentor when it comes to improving the garden.

His father is Italian and has always had vegetable gardens and chickens in the backyard at their home, so Paul has always been very familiar with gardening.

“I think Paul’s father is definitely our main source of information when it comes to looking after the garden and he even came to Roxby to help us set up ours,” Laura said.

But the couple who have been gardening since 2005 have lots of experience themselves, as they read and research a lot on what works and doesn’t work for a garden in Roxby Downs.

“The main challenge of having a garden in Roxby would be the severe weather.

“The gardens can recover after a couple of hot days but after hot weeks in a row it is very hard to help the products from dying,” Paul said.

The couple say water and shade are the main weapons against our weather, as they keep things cooler.

And for those who are constantly travelling the shade is even more important as the plants could not be watered as often as they should. Asking a friend to come over and water the plants is always a good way

to go too.

But they also said people have to be aware of what grows better in certain weather and at certain times of the year.

“Certain things will go better in different weather and we try to know when to grow what, so you are able to grow a variety of things depending on the time of the year.

“The key is to find out what works locally,” said Laura.

As they proudly show their garden for this feature, Paula and Laura say that the benefits from gardening are many but they don’t advise anyone to start it for money.

“Don’t start a garden already thinking of getting your money back. Do it for entertainment like us. We’re not doing that for money or for what we could get out of it financially,” Paul said.

Laura added that “it s relaxing and fun to grow things that you can eat afterwards.”

“You also get more creative in the kitchen because you learn different things to do with the same veggie, fruit or condiment you are growing.”

They do say it is a lot of work to set it up but once it’s up and going it is just lots of fun and they encourage everyone to give it a go and start.

“It would be great to know more people that have been gardening and be able to exchange information and products with them,” Laura said.

So if you want to show your garden off and give tips of things that worked well for you, contact me at The Monitor and our next Garden feature could be in your backyard.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 11

RBA Governor Glenn Stevens says economy set to prosper

A

“Though of course it is the interest rates borrowers AP reports that the Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens said actually pay, and that savers receive, that are important than the cash rate per se. interest rates have moved from “emer- rather “The board sets the cash rate with that in mind.’’ gency” to “normal” rates / File Source: The Daily Telegraph The economy is well positioned to prosper due to its proximity to a strong Asia region, as it sets course on a new upswing in growth, the Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens says.

Mr Stevens also said further adjustments to monetary policy will be needed to ensure inflation remains consistent with the RBA’s two to three per cent target band.

“If economic conditions evolve roughly as we expect, further adjustments to monetary policy will probably be needed over time to ensure that inflation remains consistent with the target over the medium term,’’ he told a House of Representatives Economics Committee hearing in Canberra.

“This is a normal experience in an economic expansion: as economic activity normalises interest rates do the same.

Page 12 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Super hit by strong dollar and weaker equities

The Australian’s Business writer, Tim Blue, reported on Friday that superannuation funds retreated last month under pressure from a strong Australian dollar that hit overseas earnings, while local equities and listed property markets pulled back from a strong finish to last year.

“Median growth funds retreated 2.2 per cent in the month, while median balanced funds went backwards 1.2 per cent, according to figures from research house Chant West.

“Over a three-year term, superannuation funds remain low performers, with median growth funds down 2 per cent a year and median balanced funds virtually square, showing a negative 0.1 per cent a year return.”

Chant West principal Warren Chant said markets were probably due for a breather after running up strongly late last year.

The return figures to investors are after fund investment costs but before any deductions for administration fees or adviser commissions.

Fees are increasingly under debate as official inquiries into superannuation continue, with industry funds claiming their lower fees have led to markedly better returns for fund members.

David Whiteley, chief executive of the Industry Super Network, said the funds’ lower fees demonstrated the “clear long-term advantage of industry super funds and the urgent need for the government to address the underperformance of the retail funds sector”.

Despite the decade finishing with the worst economic downturn since the Depression, Mr Whiteley said, industry super fund members had posted positive average real returns over the decade, while retail fund members saw their investment returns fall behind inflation.

www.themonitor.com.au

Mining News in Brief Rio may spend up to $6bn in 2010

Diversified miner Rio Tinto plans to spend at least $5-billion on capital expenditure during 2010, with the potential for a further $1-billion for new investments.

Around $1.1 billion would be spent on the expansion of Rio’s Pilbara iron-ore mines and infrastructure capacity, in order to take it beyond its current 220 million ton a year capacity.

A further $0.3 billion would be spent on the expansion of the Yarwun aluminium refiner, to take it from 1.4 million tons a year, to 3.4 million tons a year. Albanese noted that work had been slowed at this project in response to market demand, and that the change in the construction schedule would result in the completion date being the fourth quarter of 2012.

The miner would also spend around $0.4 billion on the Kestrel coking coal expansion project, which was scheduled to start producing coal during 2012.

BHP won’t sign new iron-ore benchmark contracts

BHP Billiton does not plan to sign any new benchmark contracts for its iron-ore production, CEO Marius Kloppers reiterated last week.

The company will continue to negotiate annual prices for the production that remains under benchmark contracts, but will seek index-related contracts for new output that it brings online.

The major iron-ore producers have traditionally negotiated an annual benchmark price with customers in Asia and Europe, but BHP, under Kloppers, has repeatedly argued for market-related pricing.

BHP Billiton, which published interim results last week, sold about 56% of its iron-ore in the six months ended December 31 at benchmark price.

The balance was a mixture of spot sales, hybrid contracts and some shorter-term contracts agreed while the benchmark prices were still being negotiated.

The overall impact on the average price realised by the group during the half was probably about 8% or so above the benchmark price.

The largest producer of the steelmaking ingredient, Brazil’s Vale, has said it supports the existing annual benchmark system.

Macmahon awarded $500 million contract extension

Macmahon Holdings Limited (ASX:MAH) announced that it had been awarded a three year contract extension at BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Orebody 18 and Wheelarra mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The extension, valued at over $500 million, will see Macmahon continue to provide a complete mine service including drill and blast, mining, crushing and train loading at the site.

Macmahon has been working at Orebody 18 and Wheelarra since February 2006 and this current extension will deliver an increased level of production at the sites.

Macmahon is also pleased to continue its important role within the Pilbara town of Newman with positive community engagement and social responsibility a key measure of the project’s success.

Macmahon remains committed to providing employment and training opportunities to Aboriginal people and ensuring a high level of Indigenous participation on the project is a key priority.

Approximately 330 people are currently employed on the site and this is expected to increase to around 380 employees, based on the extended contract.

Australia miners demand govt rule out resource tax

Australia’s resource industry has urged the government to rule out a new tax on big miners including Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, which would make them among the world’s most heavily taxed.

In a submission ahead of the May 11 national budget, the Minerals Council of Australia representing Rio, BHP and Xstrata, said official calls for an increase in mining royalties were a “tax grab” threatening resource investment and growth.

Australian media has widely reported that Treasury chief Ken Henry has proposed a 40% mining resource rent tax, as well as tax breaks for the four big banks to help draw foreign investment and recast the country as a regional financial hub.

A new tax on miners as part of an across-the-board reform of the tax system could allow Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to ease the burden in other areas and help woo voters in an election-year.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

NEWS

Innamincka floods will attract visitors and birdlife T

he normally dry Cooper Creek is in flood and water levels peaked at 7.4 m and is now receding a little before another expected peak.

February 14th Innamincka MARKER Officially 7.88 m at 9.am

According to local resident Julie Mathews the levels were helped by local rain in excess of 130mm falling over just three days.

“The last time the creek reached similar levels was in 2000 when it peaked at 7.2 metres,” said Julie.

Another flow is expected in the next few days. No-one can predict the exact rise but this water has passed Napper Merrie where it peaked at 5.2m.

Asked whether she thought this would mean Lake Eyre would fill again, Julie said, “The “experienced” long-term residents of our area are saying this water MAY reach the Birdsville Track, but that unless it is an excessively high Cooper here at Innamincka, the Cooper water will probably not reach Lake Eyre.

“Several factors influence the flow into Lake Eyre. As you know, last year’s water from the Gulf rivers only flowed into the

Warburton Groove, not filling (or even partially covering) the entire lake.”

According to locals in the know it would take simultaneous flows from the Cooper and the Diamantina system to “fill” the lake.

“Given that we still have a couple of months of the Cyclone season to run, rain in either of the catchments could result in flows down the rivers and creeks to Lake Eyre. It would have to be an extremely large flow and could take several months to reach the lake,” reported Julie.

‘Innamincka lakes, the Coongie system, we think are much superior to the Lake Eyre, as they are fresh- water oases supporting myriad bird and aquatic life.

These lakes were near capacity when I visited them before Christmas 2009. Given the flows of 2010, it can be predicted that the Coongie lakes will be quite full this year.”

As a result the people of Innamincka are anticipating a large influx of visitors attracted by the flowing Cooper Creek and by the prospect of high water-levels in the Coongie lakes.

February 14th causeway approach from CCH

February 14th Innamincka view from Stuart Street

February 14th Which way to go

FEBRUARY 14th Strzelecki overflow Strezlecki and Dillon’s sign Overflow and Dillon’s sign on February 14

February 14th speed restriction

February 14th flushed

FEBRUARY 14th Strzelecki overflow the flood andWith Dillon’s sign waters comes visiting wildlife like this green tree frog.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 13

It’s a... ... guy thing Maximising an ageing car Use the right gas Speaking of 93-octane fuel (refined from dead dinosaurs, not cats), you’re not doing yourself or your engine any favours when you use the wrong gas. Unless your owner’s manual demands a high-octane diet for your car, it will probably run perfectly well on regular unleaded.

In these instances, burning mid-grade or premium only creates a placebo effect that you’ve suddenly tapped into hidden performance. The difference in fuel grades, sometimes as much as 30 cents a gallon, is better spent on maintenance; that’s definitely an important way to maximise a high-mileage car.

conditioning quits. Then, when your much-shorter girlfriend adjusts your driver’s seat and the motor chooses that moment to fail, driving your car will suck out loud.

Addressing repairs as they’re needed helps you avoid the conundrum of a car that runs but doesn’t work.

Take care of your tyres Four measly patches of rubber keep you on the road, in control and aid in the prevention of very ugly scraping noises. Tires are easy to neglect on any vehicle, because you usually don’t know there’s a problem with them until it’s too late. It doesn’t even take much to make the most of your tires, either: Check their pressure regularly, rotate them as needed, keep your wheels in alignment, and watch for unusual wear. If your area gets winter snowfall and you can swing the nominal investment, consider a set of four winter tyres, too.

Watch your warm-ups When you work out, you warm up a little but don’t stretch for a half hour, right? This same principle applies to maximising a high-mileage car. We’re not saying you can turn the key and redline the engine immediately without worries, far from it. But even in cold climates, extended warm-up periods do more harm than good by Don’t drive it like you stole it burning fuel less efficiently and needlessly stressing comCars are fun to drive with enthusiasm, whether it’s ponents. A better plan is to watch your revs and accelera- letting loose on track days or tackling your favourite tion until the engine reaches operating temperature. winding back roads. Keep in mind, though, every spirited action you take steals a little life from your car. We’ll be Avoid excessive idling the last to ever preach, but it comes down to a choice in Your ride didn’t become a high-mileage car by standing whether you want to maximize a high-mileage car for its still. Excess idling introduces similar problems to letting a service life or what’s left of its performance. cold engine warm up too long. We realise there are times when you simply have to idle and cutting the engine isn’t Follow your car’s designated maintenance schedule a safe option, but if you want to maximise a high-mileage It takes even more than fresh oil or any other step car, give it a rest whenever it’s feasible. we’ve covered to maximise your high-mileage car. It all ties around this one tip: Follow the maintenance schedule Don’t neglect repairs Maximising a high-mileage car means making the miles outlined in your owner’s manual; this keeps your car runtolerable and safe along the way. Cars do break (that’s ning longer, with better efficiency and fewer unpleasant life), but it’s what you do about the damages that makes surprises. It’s going to take some effort on your part, but all the difference. So, even if you can get by with, say, your with proper care and a little luck, you may even see all cruise control not working, it’ll get rougher when your air six numbers roll over to zero someday.

Men don’t always say what they mean!

Men are widely known for their straight talking and tell-it-like-it-is attitude. But sometimes, us gentlemen say things that we really do not mean. Things that more often than not, get us into trouble. It’s written into our DNA. We have to protect our manliness at all costs. If it means bragging about scoring with a porn star you met at a strip club – then so be it. We never reveal the truth that we were actually escorted from the premises! So what common things do we say and not mean? Let’s investigate.

1. I want to learn a new language. Do we really want to learn a new language? The majority of people struggle to perfect the Queen’s English and the advent of social media sites such as Facecrap has only made it worse. You’re not going to become the voice of your generation simply because you’re talking Italian!

2. “I’m only having one drink tonight, lads.” Men

Page 14 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

are genetically incapable of having just one drink at the pub! One pint quickly progresses into karaoke madness, arm-wrestling competitions, and ends with us declaring our undying love to our best mate!

3. “It’s not you, it’s me.” This is the biggest lie ever uttered by man. Even women have got in on the act and are now using it as a way to dump us! The truth is – it is you but I don’t want to hurt your feelings.

You’re too fat, crap in bed, you moan all the time, your friends are hotter and you smell really bad.

4. “Yeah, Dog Day Afternoon is a masterpiece of directing.” This doesn’t particularly apply to Dog Day Afternoon, but any movie that comes up in discussion down the pub that you haven’t seen! We try to get our way through the conversation despite knowing nothing about the film, the cast, the plot or even what constitutes a masterpiece of directing! www.themonitor.com.au

Beer: the next health drink?

S

Set your limit and pace ometimes, beer loves us back Decide how many drinks you will have too: Studies have suggested that, when consumed in moderation, ahead of time and stick to it. Don’t be afraid to say “no thanks.” Also, remember beer has many health benefits.

For instance, moderate amounts of alcohol may be good for the heart.

An Emory University study involving over 2,200 elderly men and women discovered that those who consumed at least 1.5 drinks daily had up to a 50% lesser risk of suffering from heart failure. Another study conducted by Germany, France and the United Kingdom found that moderate consumption of beer or wine may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can lower the risk coronary heart disease. The French, who drink lots of red wine and have the highest per capita alcohol consumption, actually have one of the lowest rates of coronary heart disease mortality.

Beer can also be good for your brain.

Using an MRI, a Boston scientist discovered that light drinkers (one to six drinks a week) to moderate drinkers (seven to 14 drinks a week) have fewer strokes than non-drinkers -- probably because of alcohol’s effect in thinning the blood and preventing the formation of tiny blood clots in the brain. Note, however, that although heavy drinkers (more than 15 drinks a week) have the least amount of strokes, they also suffer the most atrophy or wasting of brain tissues.

Moderate amounts of alcohol can also help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and self-consciousness, and improve your mood. Beer in particular has plenty of nutrients, such as protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, niacin, and riboflavin.

Tips for beer lovers

Short of not drinking any alcohol (which is the medical recommendation for men who have had liver damage due to alcohol), there are many things you can do to limit the bad effects of alcohol and beer.

to drink slowly: A healthy liver can process a standard drink (a 12 oz can of beer) an hour -- if you drink any faster than that, you risk overloading your body’s ability to process alcohol.

This is especially important at parties and in social situations, where peer pressure to drink can override your better judgment.

Don’t drink on an empty stomach Eating a substantial meal before you go out and drink can actually help slow the absorption of alcohol. A full stomach may also help you cut down on the amount of alcohol you can drink.

Drink water or non-alcoholic beverages between drinks Alcohol dehydrates your body, so drinking a non-alcoholic “decoy” between alcoholic drinks not only helps you cut down on alcohol consumption, it also helps keep your body hydrated.

Protect your liver Allow your liver to recover by not drinking alcohol every day -- in fact, have as many alcohol-free days as possible between drinking.

Beer and alcohol are very important parts of a man’s life but remember that drinking too much can lead to ruins.

Remember that you bear the ultimate responsibility for your health - and if you love beer, this means understanding the health benefits and risks of alcohol, as well as drinking only in moderation. Taking care of your liver by taking liver-friendly supplements should also be a part of your daily health routine.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

HAVE YOUR SAY . . .

LIFESTYLE

Are you troubled by late night parties and when is an acceptable time to file a complaint?

“No, I’m not troubled. 11 or midnight is an appropriate time to stop partying.”

Bianca Kozminski

“ I’m not troubled.

Midnight for weekends and ten on weeknights should be the cut off point” Steph Wills

“A bout midnight, from then on people should be asleep for shift work. I’m never troubled by it.”

Brett Winter

“Midnight, after that people should be more considerate. There are occasional parties near us, we don’t mind the noise but when it goes out on the street we’re troubled.”

Karena Scott

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 15

EMPLOYMENT/CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CLASSIFIEDS

IF you have anything to buy or sell, contact 8671 ARE you struggling for results? Do you want to 2683 to advertise. get ahead? Take a look at this home business www.todaysboombiz.com FOR SALE 9000LB TMAX WINCH only $699 + Free Delivery Australia Wide. Full range of Camping & 4WD gear at www.kampers.com.au 03 5024 2200 POSITIONS VACANT

Phone 0417 831 994

Page 16 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

NEWS Our latest Aussies On February 15, the Bantiles family became Roxby’s latest new Australians.

Council Administrator, Mr. Bill Boehm conducted the Citizenship Ceremony for Gordiano and Evelyn Bantiles and their children Eva and Bea. Gordiano is employed with BHPB and Evelyn works at Woolworths in Roxby. The family originally from the Phillipines have spent the last three years in Roxby.

This week’s

I

movie review

n Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen this is her debut film role.

The cast is full of surprises. Mariah Carey, pregnant with her second child is invited to enrol in an alternative school in hopes so widely lambasted for her acting attempts in “Glitter”, proves she has what it takes as a social that her life can head in a new direction.

Produced by Oprah Winfrey and featuring a cast of the most unlikely stars, “Precious” is something of an ‘anti-”Avatar”’ - a humble, low budget film rich in character drama that rings true to life.

Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is a 16-year-old girl from Harlem, coping with the most excruciating circumstances. It’s 1987, and Precious dreams of a life of fame and fortune.

Her fantasies are her only escape from an abusive mother (Mo’Nique), a pregnancy by her estranged father, and the painful secret that she cannot read nor write.

The power of this film is despite the shocking, traumatic events Precious is forced to endure, she refuses to give up hope for a better future.

Sidibe balances this vulnerability and strength effortlessly - a feat even more impressive given

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

worker who takes on Precious’ case. She’s almost unrecognisable here.

So is singer Lenny Kravitz as a nurse who is friends with the title character.

But the real find here is Mo’Nique, an American talk show host and comedienne who is suddenly the talk of Tinseltown. As Precious’ horrific mother Mary, she is the hot favourite to win the Supporting Actress Oscar, having already walked away with a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award.

This isn’t an easy film to watch, but it’s an important one.

Director Lee Daniels, who previously produced the outstanding films “Monster’s Ball” and “The Woodsman”, takes the source material – the novel “Push” by Sapphire, and turns it into a truly unforgettable experience.

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – Page 17

SPORT Mixed Netball a winner Netball action from the recent game between Goal Diggers and Roxby PLeisure.

BELOW: Roxby PLeisure Goal Attack Cassie Weir was in fine form and combined well with her father Tony at Goal Shooter to keep the team in front.

ABOVE: Nick Backhouse of the Goal Diggers was surrounded by the defence of the Roxby PLeisure players, Holli McIntosh WD and Emma Killeen GD. BELOW: Goal Digger Centre, Jo Lucas passes down court in a fast game of netball played on February 10.

ABOVE: Roxby Leisure centre Sam Cox was an instrumental link for the team in their victory over the Goal Diggers.

Basketball results

Men 16/02/2010 Olympic Dam 33pts def Hornridge Lakers 28pts Cameron Green and Daniel Rogers 10pts ea, Brent Johnson 12pts Benchwarmers 49pts def Wolves 48pts Wes Knights 18pts Ethan Zeptner and Cody Kenny 10pts ea, Todd Paull 17pts and Brett Chesson 8pts Jets 39pts def Chocie Soldiers 32pts Dannis Stetco and Wayne Pitau 10pts ea, Tyler Golding 15pts and Dylan Male 9pts B Women 18/02/2010

Cougars 38pts def Neons 26pts Sarah Weston and Sarah Van Laar Hoven 14pts ea, Erika Syversten 16pts Phoenix 36pts def Eagles 30pts Centaine Casserly 12pts Holly Hick and Kate Wilson 8pts ea, Kiri Allen 17pts and Stacey Dadleh 6pts A Women 18/02/2010 Hypo’s 67pts def Miners 24pts Zoey Male 21pts and Elysiah McCarthy 18pts, Courtney Sims 8pts Cassie Weir 6pts Devil Mums forfeited to Bulls

Swimming Club Lapathon

By Millie Thomas The Roxby Swimming Club held their annual “Lapathon” last Tuesday February 16th to raise funds for the club.

With the money raised, they plan to purchase three new shades for the club which will cost them around $5000. It is the club’s biggest fundraiser for the year and money can still be donated up until this Friday, 26th February.

Participants put in a commendable effort, especially Dolphin 1 and 2 groups with children as young as 5 years old swimming one hundred laps or more. This is a great chance to become involved in community

support and advocate Sunsmart ac Stingrays tivities, especially beneath our harsh Male Winner arid sun. Any enquiries regarding Eugene Van Niekerk with 150 donations, please contact Tony Mc- laps Gauchie on 86712160.

Dolphins 2 Female Winner Results: Brianna Bastian with 138 laps Adults Male Winner Male Winner Wesley Steer with 122 laps Darren Lowe with 264 laps Male Winner Swordfish Joel Longmire with 122 laps Female Winner Dolphins 1 Caitlin Abbott with 296 laps Female Winner Sharks Hayley Gregory with 102 laps Female Winner Female Winner Centaine Casserly with 246 laps Alyssa Parker with 102 laps Male Winner Male Winner Mitch Steer with 268 laps Josh Bedding with 74 laps

More local representatives from the recent National Basketball Country Championships are from left Ethan Zeptner, Keenan (former Roxby resident) and Amelia Rasheed.

Page 18 – Wednesday, February 24, 2010

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

SPORT

From six at training to 49, things are looking up for the Roos T

By Millie Thomas

he Andamooka Roos are a footy team who can not easily be predicted. From winning the Roxby Districts premiership in 2007 (against OD Devils) to placing last in the league in the ’09 season, it’s hard to tell what to expect.

This year, with an enthusiastic support team and brand new objectives, it may just be Andamooka who is the force to be reckoned with.

Craig Wyatt is coach this year, and with assistant coach Craig Paull reiterating his every decision, the strong pair have high hopes for the Roos this season.

Both Craigs have an extensive relationship with football, from playing the game practically their entire lives to coaching both local and interstate teams, together they have the perspective and experience to reignite the passion within the Andamooka players, to keep the spirit alive.

Until this year, Craig Wyatt didn’t have a lot to do with the Woomera Districts Football League, save displaying his obvious love for the sport by attending games weekly. He coached the “B” grade for Hope Valley (Adelaide) whilst at the same time was playing for “A” grade. He also coached juniors in Tea Tree Gully, and played for four years for North Adelaide, only giving up footy four years ago. Craig works for Sandvik Rock Tools underground. His experience elsewhere, along with Craig Paull’s familiarity with the Roxby Districts league is a recipe for success.

Craig Paull is an avid supporter of footy here in Roxby. Having coached juniors for three years, coaching Roxby Districts for a year and now starting his second year as assistant coach for the Roos, he has done the rounds, made the connections and firmly established himself (subconsciously, of course) as the go to man for all your archived Roxby footy facts, which are stored behind his effervescent grin.

Craig has played football at numerous locations across Western Australian including a stint in the amateur league in Perth, his football career nears 300 games.

The main objective for Andamooka this year is to promote a family friendly sporting club.

The Craigs, both family men themselves, will be promoting the importance of positive behaviour amongst the players. “Want to make it a family club. We’ll be introducing a three strike rule, in which after three strikes (this could be

being late for training or drinking on a Friday night before a game) you will lose a game. It all depends on how serious the transgression is,” said Wyatt. “We’ll also have fines (for more minor misdemeanours) which will go towards the end of season trip.”

Pre season training is already well underway, and attendance numbers have hit the roof.

“This time last year we were getting six at training, the most we’ve had this year is 49,” said Paull. “(We’ve) Had a lot of out of town recruits this year, from Port Augusta, to Coober Pedy and even as far down south as Adelaide. They all bring leadership and experience to the club, which is what we’re all about this year.”

A large contributor to the Roos’ defeat last year was the negative pressure they placed upon themselves and both Craig Paull and Craig Wyatt are working towards reversing this.

“This year we will bring positive reinforcement. It just seemed that last year there was a negative pressure on the boys, from first losing, then not having the support of the community to bring back the enthusiasm…encouragement is confidence and confidence is what makes a team.”

This year, the plan is to keep the boys motivated, with both entertainment and variety.

Trainings will be different every week from track to swimming, core skill training to aerobics as well as team building events such as trips to Woomera to watch the cricket and regular barbecues.

The positivity that the Craigs plan to bring the club is admirable and although there’s no way to go but up, they have not allowed any room for mistakes. “We’re rebuilding now, starting from the bottom…We want to see the sea of blue once again”

Fresh new outlook – same old values

Jonathan anticipates a good year to come

By Millie Thomas Jonathan Chislett is the man. The new face of Roxby Districts Sporting Club has been with the club for about four years, and cements his commitment by taking up the position as president of the RDSC committee.

Steve Ryan, a well known member of RDSC’s Miner’s community for years has given up the position this year, as has his wife Tracey (club secretary) after a long service to the club. “The position became vacant, I just slotted in there! I got approached (by the club) in the end, there were not a lot of volunteers for the job,” said Jonathan.

There have been a number of changes to the committee this year with Jake Delina as the social coordinator, Andrew O’Donnell as the treasurer, Pip Moorehead as secretary, Lena is the netball coordinator, Kylie Dalgleish is in charge of merchandise, Mark Telfer is operations manager and Jim Steinhauser maintains his role as vice president.

Jonathan has played for the Miners for four consecutive seasons, capitalising a long career in football. He played for Wollongong and Central Murray football league for some years before this.

He has never been in a position such as club president before and Jonathan wants to touch base with the general routine before making any changes.

“At first I just want to make sure we meet all our deadlines, and just get the basics right. Number one priority is that everything runs smoothly initially,” he said.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The departure of families such as the Kaminski’s has definitely had an impact on the club, particularly on the volunteering side of things, but the support from the Miners is still prevalent. “We’ve still got plenty of volunteers willing to put their hands up. “We’re confident we’re going to get the contract for the canteen, so we’ll make a good go of it. There are plenty of people willing to step up and plenty of support so far. In the past the netballers have done a great job helping out at the canteen every week.

“We’ve talked about that (the Kaminski family leaving) and it’s definitely left a big hole as they’re so committed and have done such a fantastic job with the club,” said Jonathon.

New club rooms (or just club rooms in general) are definitely still on the agenda. “We’ll get a sub committee to continue that push. Probably not something we’ll address at the start of the season with everything else going on.”

There has been high attendance to pre season trainings this year, as it is every year. “Everyone’s really keen and enthusiastic. Everyone’s just looking forward to trying to go that half step more this year.”

Roxby Districts is a very enthusiastic and dedicated sporting club, and has been through two heartbreaking grand final losses over the past two years to arch rivals Olympic Dam. Members hope that this year, with all the changes, Roxby finds success in their struggle for premiership glory. www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, Monday, February 24, 2010 – Page 19

SPORT www.themonitor.com.au

2010 Bowling Champs decided

Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843

Tony Weir (left) congratulated by Rob Hutchinson after a great game to become the 2010 Club Singles Champion.

Weir home by two shots in tense final

T

he Roxby Downs Bowling Club Champions for the season, 2009/2010 were decided last week when the finals were played in both the Ladies’ and Men’s divisions.

y. up Anne Gra ) with runnerht ig (r tt e nn p Susan Be Ladies Cham

The ladies final was played in the evening of Monday, February 15, after several delays due to heat over the past weeks.

Anne Gray and Susan Bennett meet in a compelling game with good shots played by both ladies.

Consistent bowling by Susan and several near miss attempts at conversions by Anne saw Susan Bennett become this year’s Ladies’ Club Cham-

www.themonitor.com.au

pion with the winning score 25/16. Congratulations and well played both ladies.

In a marathon match the Men’s final was played in the evening on Thursday, February 18.

The finalists were Tony Weir and Robert Hutchinson with last year’s runner up Steve Stokes marking the game.

Excellent precision bowling saw the score change hands many times and although Rob established a comfortable lead it was not enough.

An unanswered five end winning streak at the business end of the match, and a final score line 25/23 saw Tony Weir become this year’s Club Champion.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper