JAN29-09

Monitor The

Your Community Newspaper ~ Roxby Downs

www.themonitor.com.au

Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843

Volume 5, Wednesday January 28th, 2009

Proud Aussies

Big Numbers attend Australia Day Celebrations

a families came wearing Roxby Downs Australn alia str Au of iety var a in ia Day Celebrations had thing with the Australe their biggest attendanc clo h flag worn as a sarong wit ian since its inception pular with the over 400 people gather being po x ple ls. com gir ol ing at the po After the off icial anon Monday morning. an ali str Au ncement of the local e nou fre e Th ppo y ver s Australia Day and SportBreakfast wa re ular with a long queue sperson awards kids we sthe Au of l t cia par spe ly a to ear d the for treate morning as the volun tralia Day Birthday Cake teer chefs worked fever- followed by games. The ishly to keep up with the pool was a popular spot unexpected demand. all day.

Th e par ty go ers deThe Australia Day cele, voured 60 kilos of bacon brations are presented by 280 eggs and an unknown the Roxby Leisure and the quantity of sausages.

Roxby Downs Council.

Individuals and entire

Andries Neimann received the Junior Sports Person of the Year Award, Casey Potts received the Young Citizen of the Year Award, Maree Jackson received the Citizen of the Year Award, and Phillipa Weltner received the Senior Community Sports Person Award and Steve Edwards accepted the award for Community Event of the Year on belhalf of the Relay for Life.

The uncertainty continues

B

HP Billiton’s Olympic Dam operations received not more than a scratch when the company announced last week that 6,000 jobs would go globally, of which 3,300 would be within Australia. Only 200 jobs have been lost in South Australia, which come from the team working on the expansion project in the Company’s Adelaide Offices.

The value and efficiencies of the Olympic Dam operations has been reinforced considering the comparatively low number of jobs lost over the three months.

A company spokeswoman says that the cuts will not affect production which will bring a degree of confidence to the Olympic Dam workforce.

The cut does raise some concerns for the expansion project which is being scaled back because of the global economic uncertainty.

Adding further fuel to the concerns is a statement by the company’s chief financial officer Alex Vanselow saying, “There is some uncertainty about the (expansion) project’s environmental assessment.”

Industry analyst Toby Grimm reported on the ABC that there is a risk the expansion could be mothballed if the global crisis continues.

“The conditions for resources companies and miners in general has deteriorated quite considerably over the past twelve months; metal prices a have fallen across the board by a least 30 and in some cases 20 percent” he said.

“This does indeed put a lot of overhang on expansion plans from mining companies everywhere in the world. BHP is no different.”

Premier Mike Rann is still very confident the project will go ahead stating, “It’s not going to be mothballed, ultimately it takes four to five years to actually get to the ore body before

you start production and they’re going to be shifting a million and a half tonnes of rock of day,” he said.

“They’ve got great confidence about this.

This is the world’s biggest mine, it’s the world’s greatest deposit of uranium, which is still being sought by China and other nations around the world as they switch to nuclear power.”

The Premier went as far as to say: “Production targets at Olympic Dam are unchanged and planning continues for the expansion of what will be the world’s largest open cut mine.”

Premier Rann said the formal indenture negotiations begin next month and that he expectes the Environmental Impact statement on the expansion of Olympic Dam to be available for 40 business days of public comment from May. Other concerning comments have been Mr Vanselow’s warning last Wednesday that more mines could be closed down given the uncer-

tainty in commodity prices, and the Federal Treasurer talking about an unwinding of the mining boom.

Jason Kuchel, Chief Executive of the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, while upbeat about the current situation said, “I think it (improvement) depends to some extent on just how long it takes for renewed demand to come back, particularly from China for commodities.”

The operations of the current Olympic Dam mine, which has a solid production output, looks relatively safe. The expansion, however, still lies on a bed of uncertainty, not as to whether it will happen but more as to when and to what degree.

Years of planning and modelling must have been turned on its head since October 2008 and we still don’t know if the crisis has bottomed out.

The

Monitor NEWS Family Focus with Tom Beever

Times Are Tough But… The global financial crisis has well and truly hit a number of small, large and super power countries around the world and many of them have now fallen into a recession as a consequence. Some financial experts say it’s the worst financial crisis since the depression which is really scary to hear.

Britain is just one of the larger countries in the world that is in a recession and to help fight off the recession home interest rates have now fallen to a 300 year low! How incredible!

Financial experts in Australia have been saying that it’s unlikely we will fall into a recession but that all changed last week when a sudden down turn in the economy put us in a vulnerable position.

It now appears a recession is a likely scenario for Australia especially since the demand for new

labour is already at “recession levels” and the number of job advertisements have fallen for an eighth straight month.

Our Federal Government and the Reserve Bank of Australia have been juggling things really well in order to protect us from a recession but since unemployment is starting to climb people are now starting to feel shaky and vulnerable.

But! Having said all that! It pleases me no end to inform you that the “rear end” hasn’t fallen out of everything because of the dodgy financial situation that confronts our country.

There are aspects of life or survival that remains completely untouched by this retched global financial crisis…and I can’t tell you how happy I am about that.

We as a nation may be tightening our wallet or purse strings because of financial or unemployment con-

cerns…but there is a market that’s thriving because of loving, or desperate support from countless numbers of we Australians. And that’s the coffee market!

Yep! The coffee market is booming! Latest 2008 statistics show the Australian coffee market is worth $119 million which is up $10.8 million from the year before!! Isn’t that marvellous!!

In fact we Aussies are apparently so committed (or is that addicted) to the coffee market that according to one life saver -I mean - coffee maker, customers tend to rely on coffee more during tough economic times.

Surprise, surprise!

Whether it’s a long black, latte, cappuccino, espresso or in my case a mug shot with extra hot milk in a cup, (now known as a TBS ‘Tom Beever Special’) coffee drinkers are continuing to enjoy their beloved coffee fi x regardless of the damn global financial crisis!

Traditionally, the coffee industry has withstood recession. Les Schirato, president of the Australian Coffee Traders Association and chief executive of Vittoria Coffee, (God bless him) said the industry saw a huge lift in sales during the

Domestic Water, millions of litres

Roxby Downs Water Consumption 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Fri 16 Jan

Sat 17 Jan

1990 recession.

“I don’t want to sound like we’re growing on the back of people’s misery but, to be honest, in tougher times we see our sales improve,” he said. Don’t worry Les, no offence taken!

Interestingly enough, Association figures show that instant coffee sales in supermarkets have remained flat (totally understandable) but coffee beans are an exception. (Go the coffee bean!!)

A nation wide survey of 15,000 shoppers revealed that we must be a nation of caffeine addicts because coffee topped the must have list above all other food and grocery items.

The popularity of gourmet coffee at home has obviously become a widespread commodity nowadays because of the affordability of home espresso machines. So wide spread in fact that Australian shoppers purchased more than 4700 tonnes of coffee in the past year!! Whoa!!

My family and I have a great little coffee machine at home and I WAS the chief coffee maker until my daughter successfully defeated me in a recent coffee making coup.

But for my family and I, and obvi-

ously so many others like us, going to a favourite coffee shop is something that’s really nice to do. As soon as my family and I hit Adelaide we head straight to our favourite coffee shop in Central Market and it always feels like home.

We’re never not greeted with friendly smiles, an excited ‘how are you’ and superb coffee. It’s always wonderful to engage with friendly people and feel connected to them and coffee shops can be a great place for that.

I’ve enjoyed some awesome coffees whilst here in Roxby and I truly value each staff member that has made them. In fact in many ways it’s the quality of the staff or management that enables you to enjoy your coffee and it will be them that determine whether you go back or not.

Times are indeed tough at the moment and it sounds like things are going to get a whole lot tougher! But for many of us, things are never quite that tough that we can’t sit down to enjoy a damn good coffee. Besides, as I have said on many occasions, as good as a great cup of coffee can be…it’s the company around you that makes all the difference.

Save Money and Save the Planet

Sun 18 Mon 19 Tue 20 Wed 21 Thu 22 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan

All domestic water in Roxby Downs, Andamooka and Olympic Dam is supplied from the Great Artesian Basin.

The water is desalinated and chlorinated.

Use water wisely in an arid climate.

Water is expensive and in short supply but with a few simple actions you can reduce your consumption and reduce your water bill at the same time.

Clean Up

ROXBY

SUNDAY

MARCH 1ST

Meet at Lions Park at 9:30am All equipment supplied - Bring a hat and water

BBQ LUNCH SUPPLIED For further information contact Steve Moss 0417 806 910 Roxby Sponsors

NaƟonal Sponsors

Page 2 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Lets look at what you can do in ing vegetables or your hands. your the kitchen: - Fix any leaks as soon as pos- Install aerators on taps - aera- sible. tors reduce the water flow and stop - When washing dishes by hand, you using as much water. fill one sink or basin with soapy - Choose water efficient appli- water. Quickly rinse under a slowances - look for appliances bearing moving stream from the faucet. the Water Efficiency and Labelling - Store drinking water in the reStandards scheme and power effrigerator rather than letting the ficiency labels. tap run every time you want a cool - Only turn the dishwasher on glass of water. when it’s full.

- Do not use running water to - When you’re running the taps thaw meat or other frozen foods. waiting for water to cool down or Defrost food overnight in the reheat up, collect the water in a jug frigerator or by using the defrost for use on the garden. setting on your microwave.

- Turn taps off when you’re wash- Kitchen sink disposals require

lots of water to operate properly.

Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste instead of using a garbage disposal.

Garbage disposals also can add 50% to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.

- Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce heating costs for your household.

- In every wet area try to use environmentally friendly cleaning products and detergents.

Clean Up Roxby Day It’s time to Clean Up again. Roxby will once again be part of the National Clean Up Australian Day on Sunday March 1. Block out some time in your diary between 9.30am and 11.30 am, even half an hour counts.

It is a highly organised event and coordinator Steve Moss has gathered support from BHP Billiton, Cavpower and the local media. Steve said, “I am still

www.themonitor.com.au

looking for a sponsor to assist with the purchases of some pickup sticks which would be great assistance to the volunteers making their job easier and quicker and we still need a sponsor for the volunteers BBQ lunch.”

If you can assist with sponsorship or require further information call Steve on 0417 806 910 Remember March 1 - Put it in your diary!

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor NEWS

Cash bonus a green winner

BHP employees have been encouraged to use methods around the home to save water and engery.

I

n September 2007 the Roxby Downs Environment Forum put before BHP Billiton a scheme using the employee service allowances to encourage employees to be more pro active in reducing their consumption of power, water and gas.

BHP Billiton acted swiftly in accepting the Forums concept and in the following month established Green Bonuses which rewarded employees with cash benefits for saving on their water, electricity and gas consumption.

The introduction of the bonuses was a major change to the Olympic Dam Staff Services Allowance Employees have an annual allowance up to $2,500 for utilities and under the new scheme receive a rebate in cash for any unspent portion of the allowance.

Although the scheme was not introduced until October 2007 it was back dated to the beginning of the 2007/2008 financial year.

The Monitor asked BHP Billiton what impact the “Green Bonuses” had on local consumption of water, power and gas.

BHP Billiton reported that the scheme has a positive impact on the consumption of water, gas and electricity by eligible employees.

On average, the total amount reimbursed to eligible employees in the 2007-2008 financial year was around $1400 per employee, pre-tax.

“At this stage we have collected about 12 months worth of data and will be interested to review the data in another two or three years to see if there has been a significant reduction and to allow factors such as weather conditions (temperatures etc) to be taken into account,” said Olympic Dam Vice President Human Resources, Paul Walters.

While statistics on the reductions across all the utilities s were not available Town Office has been collating data on water usage in BHP Billiton owned properties for just over 12 months, and in a sample of 55 Roxby Downs homes occupied by the same

tenants from September 2007 to September 2008, a reduction in water usage of 32% was made.

In addition, in collating this data, Town Office has been able to identify some maintenance issues in company houses for rectification – ie. two major water leaks (showing as large uses of water) – which were fixed before they became serious

Court takes car from hoon

We have all had enough of hoon drivers so have the police and particularly Magistrate Clive Kitchin. Magistrate Kitchen would have sent a chill down the back of all hoon drivers when he upheld a request from the police prosecutor to confiscate an $8000 car from a local resident who was a repeat ‘hoon driving’ offender.

It is a relatively new law and possibly not previously enforced but the driver has lost his vehicle for good; he has literally forfeited it to the Crown.

On August 4, 2008 at 9.40 am on Axehead Road a driver was observed completing three donuts with smoke coming from his tyres and loud revving of the car. He was spoken to by police and admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

But it didn’t end there. The driver had three prior convictions for the misuse of a motor vehicle which occurred on November 30, 2006 and twice on December 21, 2006.

Magistrate Kitchin reminded the driver that section 12 of the Criminal Law (clamping, impounding and forfeiture of vehicles) Act provides that the Court must, on application of the prosecution order that the motor vehicle specified in the application be forfeited to the Crown if the convicted person has, during the period of 10 years immediately preceding the date of the offence, been found guilty of 3 or more prescribed offences.

In such cases the court takes into consideration the posbilty that the order to forfeit the vehicle could cause severe financial hardship.

Magistrate Kitchin said, “In your submis-

sions to me you have been frank and forthcoming. You realise the stupidity of your actions. You have, however, acknowledged that you will not suffer severe financial hardship if an order of forfeiture is made although obviously you will have some difficulties.

“The legislation, which deals with matters of this kind, is reasonably new.

“It is important that people such as yourself, who choose to misuse motor vehicles, are aware of the heavy penalties.

“It is not uncommon for charges of this kind to come before this court.

“It goes without saying that people who choose to do ‘wheelies, donuts’ or whatever else they may be called are not only endangering their own but also other people’s lives and property.

“In addition, it is not uncommon for such mindless and juvenile behaviour to leave large black marks all over the road and for there to be damage caused to the road surface.”

The magistrate sent a warning to all hoon drivers that people who commit the offence of Misuse of a Motor Vehicle for a second time may be subject to an application to impound the vehicle for up to 3 months. Those who commit the offence for a third time can have their vehicle impounded for up to 6 months and those in the youth’s situation can lose their vehicle permanently.

In the same court some 68 cases were heard of which 20 were for driving under the influence; “Far too many,” said Magistrate Kitchin. There were several cases concerning violence and a charge for speeding at 183 kilometres per hour.

“I am sure that the change to the Staff Services Allowance, in giving employees the opportunity to be reimbursed for any unclaimed portion of the allowance, has played a part in encouraging our employees to be more aware of their water, gas and electricity consumption,” Mr Walters said.

Encouraging employees to use less electricity, gas and water is part of BHP Billiton Olympic Dam’s wideranging commitment to energy efficiency locally.

Watch out Hoondrivers: your cars can be confiscated for good!

Indigenous dispute over Native Title The approval by the Kokatha Elders of the proposed native title claim over the Olympic Dam area has meet with a hostile out pouring from other families of the Kokatha people.

In a statement released last week Isabelle Dingaman, Executive Member of the Kokatha people said, “Native Title was not recognised by the Kokatha.

Kokatha have denied their signatures to BHP Billiton for both an open cut and an expansion and denounce Native Title who are not appointed to speak for Kokatha or their lands.”

Ms Dingaman accused the mining company (BHP Billiton) of continuing “to conspire with

Roxby Hour THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

mining companies and collect ‘people’ claiming to be related to Kokatha. A meeting was staged on December 14, 2008 with participants allegedly willing to accept payment in exchange for some signatures on Kokatha land, for BHP Billiton.”

“The legitimacy of any illegal ‘work-arounds’ is disputed by the traditional Kokatha. For many decades Kokatha have sought that the original terms of the ‘no open cut requirement’, be adhered to.

It is well documented that the Kokatha have opposed the open cut and expansion since time immemorial. This was the wishes of our grandfathers and father, who specified, no open cut was to take place. Kokatha

will continue to uphold these laws. This defiance and cultural impropriety on our lands is not acceptable to the Kokatha” she said.

The statement accuses that “self appointed spokespersons, young elders” and others from establishing “unrelated geneologies” from forging signatures on behalf of Kokatha.

“Kokatha’s genealogy follows our great, great grand-father’s ancestral line in Aboriginal culture. Native Title has disrespectfully attempted to introduce a deceased Arrente grandmother into Kokatha lineage which will cheat our culture in favour of BHP Billiton.

This is not our custom and is not accept-

able”, said Isabelle Dingaman for the Kokatha.

In addition it was claimed that Native Title have attempted to alter tradition and have published maps with reduced boundaries in order to obtain substitute signatures for mining companies and gains for their government’s nuclear projects “The Kokatha are sovereigns of this land and will choose how we speak. We will speak in public.”

“No more secret meetings and false announcements. We will now discuss in the open, in front of the people,” said Ms Dingaman.

Glass Jewellers www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 3

The

Monitor NEWS

Maree Jackson: Citizen of the Year M

aree Jackson has only been in Roxby Downs for five and a half years but in that time the 2009 Citizen of the Year has made a big impact.

Maree Jackson is a very proud Australian, a great ambassador for Roxby Downs and feels very honoured to be receiving the Citizen of the Year Award.

E

The twenty-five-year-old Training Supervisor at BHP Billiton was shocked when her name was called out as the winner of the award at last Mondays Australia Day Celebrations.

In her acceptance speech Maree said, “I love working for good causes and I think Roxby Downs is a great place to live.

“I wish more people could live here and experience the lifestyle and opportunities that Roxby has to offer.”

When asked what the award meant to her Maree said, ”I am a very proud Australian and Tasmanian and I am very honoured to receive this award.”

According to her nominator, Maree is someone whose “community spirit inspires all around her.

She is a great ambassador for Roxby Downs, always talking up the town and all it’s got to offer.”

The Monitor asked Maree what she most loved about Roxby Downs? “Roxby is like one big fam-

Young citizen honoured

very year, a youth of Roxby Downs is nominated and present with the Young Citizen of the Year Award at Australia Day. Mr Bill Boehm, who presented the award, said: “It comes as a responsibility to provide not only facilities and activities for our youth but to also provide inspiration, encouragement and role models.

“When that inspiration, encouragement and role modelling comes from a young person it is at its most powerful.”

In keeping with Mr Boehm’s words, The Monitor takes great pride in congratulating 18 year old Casey Potts, who accepted the award at the Roxby Downs Swimming Pool last Monday.

“Honoured” and “Shocked” where the words Casey used to describe her feelings as she was presented with the award by Council Administrator Bill Boehm.

“I knew I had been nominated but I didn’t think I would win,”

Casey told The Monitor.

“It didn’t even click when Kristina asked me to come down.”

Casey was nominated by friend Kristina Meredith, whom Casey works with at RoxFM. Kristina said: “Casey is a bright and bubbly personality who has endless enthusiasm for RoxFM, and is an inspiration to other young presenters and a role model to all volunteers, young and old.”

Casey’s work at RoxFM has been exceptional, which prompted Kristina to nominate her for this prestigious award.

To Casey, this recognition is a great achievement.

“It’s good to have, something to put on the resume and I think it will help me with my career in radio,” said Casey.

Kristina says Casey began volunteering at RoxFM as a youth presenter through the school media program and now knows the station inside out.

Casey is a confident presenter, possessing the ability to train other presenters well and is always available to help in the day to day

running of the station, completing administration work and selling merchandise when needed.

This is not Casey’s first recognition for her work at RoxFM, nor is it sure to be her last.

In 2008, Casey was the proud winner of Adelaide Showground Youth Award, which was presented to her at the SA Great Award Ceremony.

Again, Casey received praise from RoxFM Manager Kristina Meredith.

“Casey is a very hard worker, she’s very dedicated and willing to help out; she’s my little angel when I’m stressed out.”

For those wishing to be among the greats honour with the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award, Casey offers a little advice.

“Just help within the community and be yourself.”

The Monitor again congratulates Casey for all her hard work in the community and wishes her good luck in the future.

ily, I do not have family here so that is very important to me,” she said.

“Secondly, I love the opportunities to be involved in the community. I have done more in this town in five years than I did in the first 20 years at home and if I were to pick a third it would be the natural beauty of the outback.”

Maree has an impressive record of community involvement, including key roles at Arid Recovery, and as a volunteer with the Royal Flying Doctor Auxiliary where she has been instrumental over the past three years in assisting in organising events, such as the Irish Christmas Dinner and the Golf Day and Auction.

As a member of the Education and Workplace Training Forum she has been instrumental in supporting the Career Expo and Career Speak events, exposing the youth of the region to many the career opportunities open to them.

Typical of Maree thinking of others, while in Sydney on a trip to see the Australian Olympic Swim Tryouts she hustled signatures on merchandise from the swimmers, which she passed on to the Flying Doctors Auxiliary and the swim club to use as fundraisers.

Maree is also a driving force behind the Roxby Raptors Cycling

Club, which she founded with Daryl Wake.

She is a trained volunteer snake catcher for the town and she plays, umpires and assists with Volleyball and Hockey With the same enthusiasm she brings to all her challenges, she and her friends participated with vigour and great creativity in the Relay for Life, raising a significant amount of donations and being the team to complete the most number of laps Last October she participated in Operation Flinders as a mentor for the ten Roxby Girls who took the challenge. Participation meant walking for 120 kilometres through the Flinders Outback for a hot eight days with no showers or mode cons.

Let us not forget Maree’s many invisible times behind the scenes where she is active in helping out and encouraging the community and friends.

Maree was asked where the urge to help out and volunteer comes from?

“My passion; I am a very passionate person and need to put that passion somewhere. The causes I support I am very passionate about: Flying Doctor Service, Cycling, Arid Recovery and the others are very important to me.”

Casey Potts had no idea she would receive the Young Citizen of the Year Award, saying she was shocked and honoured.

Relay for Life is THE event of 2008 T

Steve Edwards proudly accepts the award of Community Event of the Year on behalf of the Relay for Life Organising Committee.

Page 4 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

he Relay for Life was by the event and the impact cancer many opportunities they provide far the event for Roxby has on the lives of many people. to bind the community together, “This award raises so much create cause for celebration and Downs in 2008.

With months of planning and huge involvement from the community, the Relay for Life far exceeded all expectations, raising over $64,000 for much needed cancer research.

It is no wonder then that the most anticipated event of last year was honoured by receiving the Australia Day Community Event of the Year Award last Monday.

Chairperson Steve Edwards accepted the award on behalf of the Relay for Life Organising Committee.

Steve said he felt a “fair sense of pride” to be accepting this award, saying it “reinforces the impact the Relay for Life had on the community”.

“There is a satisfaction in knowing the cause has been realised by the community,” Steve told The Monitor.

“The committee is being recognised for the importance of

www.themonitor.com.au

more awareness and gives us (the committee) the ability to move forward and have a bigger event in March 2010.”

The Relay for Life saw many teams form to walk the town oval for 20 hours, with live entertainment, fun competitions and prizes being awarded throughout the day.

Emotion was high on the day as cancer survivors spoke of their ordeals with the dreaded disease, locals remembered those lost to cancer and money was thoughtlessly donated to help those suffering and those who may suffer at the hands of Cancer.

“Cancer does not discriminate, no matter what your age, gender or the colour of your skin,” Steve Edwards told The Monitor last year.

Town Administrator Bill Boehm, who presented the award, said: “Community events are important occasions because of the

so often help others.

“Roxby is almost legendary for its generosity for a good cause and this was clearly evident with this year’s community Event of the Year winner.”

Mr Boehm went on to say the event was so well run, the Cancer Foundation has held it up to other groups as an example of how to best run similar events.

With the kind donations of Roxby Downs and the desire to support a more than worthy cause in a fun and exciting manner, the Relay for Life was an event that will go down in the history of Roxby Downs.

The Monitor congratulates the entire Relay for Life Organising Committee for their dedicated hard work to a fantastic cause, and to the people of the Roxby Downs community for so generously supporting the Australia Day Community Event of the Year.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor NEWS

Water bills queried

Electronic cigarettes:

good or bad?

R

ox by resident s have recently received thier water bills for the October – December quarter, which for some have appeared alarmingly high.

The Monitor approached the Council to ascertain if there was any reason for water bills to rise sharply this quarter.

There are several factors which can aect your water bill, ďŹ rst it depends which bills you are comparing.

If you are comparing the October – December quarter of 2008 with the same period in 2007 and you consumed roughly the same amount of water, your bill should be 10 percent higher which reects the increase in water rates across those two periods.

If you are comparing you account

from the previous quarter (July – September 08) and your consumption is the same, your accounts should be similar. Remember the July- September quarter was cooler so your consumption is probably less.

Another factor which could aect some households is if they have had a new water metre installed. As a general part of its capital works program the council have been replacing old metres. The old metres, due to their age (up to 12 years old) run slower as their parts wear down. A new metre runs and records more eďŹƒciently and may record a slight increase. Metres, whatever their age, do not run fast - it is a physical impossibility.

Residents who moved into new homes such as Copper Sands Estate and ďŹ lled newly installed pools or used more than normal amounts of water to establish new gardens and

landscaping could also experienced steep rises in their bill due to increased consumption.

Traditionally consumption reaches a peak in the January to March quarter because of the hot weather.

If you want to avoid a high water bill, use your water wisely.

When the Roxby Water sta are assessing water usage, if a property shows a steep incline the accounts are immediately double checked and if necessary the metre is read a second time. If you think at any time you have been overcharged, contact the Council who will review your account with you.

New water meters run faster than old meter which may reflect a slight increase in your water account.

The smoke of the E-cigarette reportedly contains only nicotine and not the other harmful toxins found in normal cigarettes.

By Zak Zeptner Electronic cigarettes, a supposed healthier substitute to real cigarettes, are being sold online despite being banned in Australia.

The devices, which bare similar features to a regular cigarette, are reportedly being sold on eBay for hundreds of dollars.

An eBay spokesperson said the website has a policy which prohibits the sale of tobacco products and while the E-cigarettes, as they are known, have been removed, searches still appear from international sellers.

E-cigarettes use batterygenerated heat to create a flavoured vapour that smokers puff like a real cigarette, and even have a tip that glows red when users inhale.

While these devices are reported not to contain the deadly toxins found in real cigarettes, the smoke users inhale is vaporised nicotine and, as such, contains the same properties that re-

portedly cause addiction.

According to the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, every form of nicotine, except for replacement therapies and cigarettes, are classiďŹ ed as a form of poison, which is why they are illegal to sell in Australia. “Nicotine has well-recognised physiological and pathological effects and, as with conventional cigarettes, the E-cigarette would be expected to lead to and sustain nicotine addiction,â€? said a spokesperson from the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon said: “This looks like another insidious, manipulative attempt to hook people on smoking. I’d be very concerned about any attempts to promote smoking, especially to young people.�

As printed on their website, www.e-cig.org, the Electronic cigarettes “may be the answer for those of us who want to smoke but

aren’t fond of a shortened life span.�

However, in a blog (posted on the same site) issued on January 16, the makers of E-cigarettes are adamant they do not promote these as a quit smoking device or that they are 100 percent healthy. “They still (in most cases) contain nicotine. It is a smoking alternative and as with anything you choose to put in your body, it is your choice.�

The blog goes on to state that when you compare a tobacco cigarette with a nicotine cartridge, the nicotine cartridge appears to be a better choice in terms of health. “Either way, if you are still concerned about the safety of the nicotine cartridges, it is your health so go with your gut feeling.

We can tell you that we, and our customers, have had no adverse aects and actually see a massive improvement in lung capacity and overall feeling.�

Call for bigger quit warnings Anti-smoking group Quit is calling for bigger warnings on cigarette packets after learning that nearly half of smokers do not know the dangers of their habit.

Research from the Victorian Cancer Council has showed 21.5 percent of the State’s smokers think the dangers of smoking are exaggerated and 49 percent do not believe smoking causes lung cancer.

The federal government is now

under pressure to force smoking companies to increase health warnings on cigarette packets.

Cigarette packets currently must contain a health warning covering 30 percent of the front and 90 percent of the back, however Quit policy manager Kylie Lindor says they want 90 percent of the front to be dedicated to anti-smoking messages.

Ms Lindor said they would also

like plain packaging to be used for cigarettes so the companies cannot use packets as a mini-billboard to reassure smoking is not bad.

She went on to say smokers are reassured there is little danger by seeing words such as “freshâ€? printed on packets. “The industry is constantly trying to play down or disguise the serious health aects,â€? she said.

(SSPHUJL (PYSPULZ ;PTL[HISL -30./; 56

8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8- 8-

690.05

+,:;05(;065

(KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT

6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL 6S`TWPJ +HT (KLSHPKL

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

+(@ 6- ;/, >,,2

4 4 4 4

4 4

4 4

; ;

; ; ; ;

; ;

> >

> >

> > > >

; ; ; ;

; ;

; ;

; ;

-

: :

: :

www.themonitor.com.au

,MMLJ[P]L -LIY\HY`

+,7(9;

(990=,

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

9LZLY]H[PVUZ ^^^ XHU[HZ JVT H\ ;LSLWOVUL

^^^ HSSPHUJLHPYSPULZ JVT H\ Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 5

The

Monitor NEWS

School funding scare

Lake Mary almost gone

By Zak Zeptner

T

he heat of summer has all but diminished Roxby’s own oasis in the desert: Lake Mary.

Anne Rathgen, Mandy Kerby, Caleb Kerby, Gabi Mordan, Angela Turner, Hayley Holland, Paul Killeen, Katie Johnson, Bryony Futurial, Jay Holland, Katie Kerby, Ben Jackson and Christina Jackson.

By Zak Zeptner Last week saw staff at the Andamooka Rural Childcare Centre stunned to hear they had no funding for the 2009 school year.

Principal Angela Turner told The Monitor she returned from holidays to discover there was no money for the Centre.

Fortunately, after many frantic phone calls and letters, it was revealed to be nothing more than a bureaucratic mix up.

“I had a few anxious moments where I thought we weren’t getting any funding and now I’ve found out that we are getting funding but in a more limited way,” said Ms Turner.

Ms Turner went on to explain the school was under the impression the funding for the Children’s Centre would continue on from last year, however the Department of Education was unable to confirm the funding, putting the school through a period of not knowing where the

school’s future lay.

Upon learning of the lack of funding, Ms Turner attempted to sort through the confusion with the bureaucrats to re-secure her school’s money.

Fortunately, all Ms Turner had to do was send through the paperwork on the Centre, which included financial reports and details of the previous year, and the Department approved most of the funding.

So far, The Andamooka Rural Children’s Centre has received a committed $40,000 figure for the yearly budget, with another $30,000 expected to total a $70,000 budget.

“It’s not a lot of money in the scheme of things but when you have budgeted for $70,000, it’s a lot of money,” said Ms Turner.

The Children’s Centre acknowledges it may not receive the extra $30,000, though Ms Turner is optimistic on the subject.

“It’s too good a program; we have forty families associated with the

program and statistically for the size of the school, we’ve got a great deal of family association. It’s sensible you put your money where you’re getting your returns but you can never say definitely,” she said.

“It just means we will have to cut back on the literacy part of the program, meaning we won’t be able to have Toddler Story Time or the adult education part of the program. We’ll do it in a volunteer way but we actually had an officer to manage that and we won’t have them.

“Those are things I haven’t planned for this term in case the money doesn’t come through.”

Ms Turner went on to say the State Government was very generous with its funding last year but they are tightening in 2009 due to the economic downturn. She says it is understandable they are receiving less funding.

“It’s understandable because it is not just us, it is everybody,” she said.

Reports from local lake users and Olympic Dam Land Management Advisor Peter Paisley has confirmed the water level is dropping and urge all people using the lake to do so at their own discretion.

Local lake-goer Alan Male, who admits to using the lake every chance he can get, has told The Monitor the shoreline is dropping rapidly and black mud is appearing in the water and on the bank.

Alan said that while the water is still swimmable, boat users should be very cautious of where they are driving, as there are “still a lot of unknowns as to what’s on the bottom.”

Alan says he has not sighted any trees sticking out of the main body of the lake as yet but still urges caution.

Olympic Dam Land Management Officer Peter Paisley said: “We urge all users of the lake to use the lake in a safe and responsible manner. With the water level dropping, boat users/skiers should keep an eye out for ‘snags’ such as trees and bushes, which may now be just under the water level.”

Mr Paisley went on to say: “As the lake dries up it may become boggy and develop a smell due to the the algae decomposing as the water level drops.”

Kerry Orr, a local user of the lake, said her husband recently went to

the lake and reported it has become “a bit stinky” due to boats churning up all the weeds.

Kerry said when her husband was skiing and fell, he was standing in the lake, which would, according to Kerry, make the water leave approximately five feet deep.

“It’s really sad,” said Kerry when asked how she feels about losing the lake.

“It’s great when it’s here because it’s something to do for everyone, not just boat users. People can go out and camp and people have been catching yabbies out of it and that’s really good. Plus, it’s so hot and that makes you miss it even more.”

Alan feels the same way.

“I’m disappointed; it’s a great recreational venue and thanks must go to BHP for allowing the community to access it.

“It’s just a great escape for people and families to do something that would normally not be the norm in the desert.”

The future of the lake seems bleak, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

However, Kerry had one solution that would allow the lake to thrive and people to use it.

“BHP should fill the damn thing up.”

Mr Paisley’s response, however, was not accommodating.

“The refilling of the lake was a community idea and BHP Billiton has no response.”

Road Rule Change ill conceived

F

rom January 25, 2009 it has been illegal to use your fog lights in any conditions except during a fog or other hazardous weather conditions that cause reduced visibility.

Known as rule 217, it reads: “The driver of a vehicle fitted with front fog lights or rear fog light must not operate the fog light unless the driver is driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility.

“Front fog light means a light (other

than a headlight) fitted to the front of a vehicle to improve illumination of the road in fog, snowfall, heavy rain or dust clouds.”

While this may make sense in a metropolitan area it is does not consider the hazardous nature of animals, wild and domestic, that wander onto our country roads at night.

When you are travelling at 110 clicks you want as much notice as you can get to avoid kangaroos, emus, sheep or cattle.

The extra light power could be the difference in having time to take ap-

propriate avoidance strategies or having a collision.

It is also illegal to have the lights on in daylight. Many would argue that having fog lights on during the day is an added safety measure because it makes vehicles more visible to oncoming traffic.

Definitely a rule designed by a city person!

Nonetheless, the expected cost of an expiation notice for this offence will be $160 fine and the loss of 1 demerit point.

The fun and joy familes have had at Lake Mary over the past two years is slowly but surely coming to an end. Scenes such as this will sadly soon be a distant memory.

What do want to know about Roxby Downs?

www.roxbydowns.com knows!

Find contacts and informaƟon for . Businesses . Real Estate . Rotary . Schools

. Breast Feeding . Karate . Children’s AcƟviƟes . Scouts and Guides

. Health Services . Pram Walking Group . What’s on Calendar . Companies

Over 50 categories, over 1000 entries

www.roxbydowns.com Free lisƟng for all local clubs or businesses email your details to roxbyweb@themonitor.com.au Page 6 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor OPINION

o t i d E Credit where credit is due

Accomplishing positive sustainable change is usually not easy and yet in September 2007 the Environment Forum and BHP Billiton took only a month to turn a good idea into a meaningful reality.

The Green Bonus scheme (see story page 3) instituted by BHP Billiton was a major change to how the company managed its Staff Service Allowance for water and power and allowed employees to claim the portion of the allowance they did not use as a cash bonus. The average bonus in the 20072008 financial years was $1, 400. That, multiplied by all eligible BHP employees, translates into a considerable reduction in the consumption of water and energy The Green Bonus scheme is now fixed into the system and will run on for years to come.

As Olympic Dam Vice President Human Resources, Paul Walters said: “It will be interesting to review the data in another two or three years to see if there has been a significant reduction and to allow factors such as weather conditions.”

There is credit to quite a few people in attaining this significant outcome.

First, the Environmental Forum receives credit for seeing the opportunity and working with it until they had a workable model.

Credit to BHP Billiton for not only being willing to listen but in grasping the idea and being willing to make major changes to how the allowance operated and implement it so quickly.

Of course there are the employees and their families and partners who should also be credited to rising to the challenge and reducing their consumption of water, power and gas.

The Green Bonuses is not the only environmental initiative taken by BHP Billiton BHP Billiton are involved in a range of initiatives, including work to ensure that their company accommodation is energy efficient by placing waterefficient shower heads in all showers in Olympic Dam Village (some 1,000) with work soon to begin on Roxby Downs Village and in our owned and leased housing.

The Villages are also working with Sodexo to implement a vast on-site recycling program and all new housing in the company’s latest housing developments of Copper Sands 1 and 2 meet the national energy efficiency rating of five stars.

BHP Billiton also supports the Outback Smart program in Roxby Downs, which is another initiative of the Environmental Forum.

Last Year in this column I acknowledged BHP Billiton for its support of the Big Warm Welcome, Strengthening Families, Gift Matching, Operation Flinders and the Cargo project.

Credit where credit is due - that is a great commitment to our community.

New roster underway

By Zak Zeptner

O

lympic Dam mine’s new ‘4-5 Rotational’ ro s te r h a s b e e n received well, says BHP Billiton.

Last Year the company announced it would change from the common 4-4 roster in an attempt to improve the benefit of employees and businesses.

Olympic Dam Vice President of Human Resources, Mr Paul Walters has told The Monitor there have been no issues with the new roster at this stage.

“The implementation of the new roster is going well,” he said.

Mr Walters explains consultation sessions were held with impacted staff last year and the general response was supportive of the proposed changes.

“The decision to change Olympic Dam’s shift roster was not taken lightly, and the impact on our community was one of the key considerations,” he said.

“The 4-5 Rotational Roster was selected as it was seen to meet the needs of our employees and our business, while also providing for the local community. For example, under the new roster, residents will now have 26 full weekends per year off (compared to 16 on the 4-4 roster) with their families.”

More weekends seem to be a positive for anyone in town, with weekend sport being a main focus in the Roxby Downs community.

Leigh Malcolm, Chairperson of the Retail Traders Association, said: “It’s probably good for anybody who is involved in sport, which is an important part of Roxby.”

Last year, The Monitor spoke with Leisure Centre Manager Alan Male concerning the changes.

He said: “From the Leisure Centre’s point of view, it may mean we’ll have to readjust opening times, especially with the fitness centre and pool.”

However, Mr Male recently told The Monitor the Leisure Centre had not yet been affected by the changes.

“It’s too early for us to even notice a trend at all,” he said.

Concerns have been raised of late over how these new rosters will affect retail in Roxby Downs, with the belief many workers and families will simply commute, taking their business with them.

Leigh Malcolm does not believe the new roster change will affect retail in Roxby Downs very much at all.

“I’ve met a lot of new people that have shifted to Roxby this Christmas and their partners have been commuting from say the West Coast, and they’ve now decided to shift to Roxby because of the distances involved in travelling and the lack of family life and not being together,” he said.

“I really don’t think the changes are going to have an impact. Of course you miss a few, you’re never going to stop people shopping outside of town but I think people really still value their family lifestyle and I think a lot of people that have been commuting for a few year now – it’s interesting to see they have decided to shift to Roxby now, even though their shifts have changes.”

While Mr Malcolm notices this change, he is still wary of the changes to the roster.

“I certainly wouldn’t like to see it go to a 7 day roster, I think

warning bells would start to ring.

“7 on 7 off would just encourage people to commute; it wouldn’t be good for the community.”

Mr Walters of Olympic Dam says this new roster also has provision for commuters by reducing the total number of commutes per year by 15 percent.

January 2009

Monitorrial The

The ‘4-5 Rotational’ roster operates on a 56-day cycle, meaning crews will work two full weekends in a row and then have the following two full weekends off.

How this roster affects the community is still to be seen, though from reports from Olympic Dam and general consensus with community members, it may prove to be beneficial for Roxby Downs.

Antenatal Group Are you pregnant?

Would you like to know more about the joys of pregnancy, birthing preparations or baby care?

- Pregnancy, labour and delivery discussions are to be held on Saturday 7th February 2009 - Post natal topics and services discussed on Sunday 8th February 2009

You can choose the day that is right for you!

For more Information For more information and to book your place please phone Kae on 8671 0920 at Roxby Downs Health Services.

Roxby Downs Health Services 16-28 Burgoyne Street - ROXBY DOWNS SA 5725 Telephone: 08 8671 9020 www.countryhealth.sa.gov.au © Department of Health, Government of South Australia. All rights reserved.

Letters to the Editor

Your letters are always welcome at The Monitor.

But please remember to give a name and address and also a phone number for verification purposes.

Contact us...

The Monitor is a communityowned initiative aimed at improving regional communication between the community, industry, small business and Local Government.

Contributions are welcomed but The Monitor reserves the right to edit all material submitted in accordance with newspaper policy and legal requirements.

The Monitor retains copyright for all images and text produced for, and published by The Monitor - Your Community Newspaper.

Address: 6 Richardson Place, Roxby Downs Write: PO Box 72, Roxby Downs SA 5725 Give us a call for sales, news etc on: Office (08) 8671 2683 Fax (08) 8671 2843 Email Directly to The Monitor: editor@themonitor.com.au graphics@themonitor.com.au news@themonitor.com.au sales@themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 7

The

Monitor COMMUNITY MATTERS

Community Person of the month: Tracey Warneke

T

The Boards, Forums and Partnerships: What do they do?

Hands up for Tracey

racey Warneke has been awarded the Big Sky Community Person of the month for January.

Tracey has been putting her hand up and volunteering in Roxby Downs for over 20 years and today the community has put its hand up for Tracey and said well done.

Tracey and her Roxby adventure goes right back.

In 1998 on completing her Diploma in Education as a primary school teacher Tracey started teaching at the Woomera Area School. In those days the road between Woomera and Roxby Downs, where husband John was working, was still dirt and it was a hazardous trip in her car which she said was “older than me.” The opportunity just six months later to move into Roxby Downs and work at the local kindergarten was grasped with both hands.

Volunteering came naturally to Tracey as her father and grandfather were active workers in their communities. Her grandfather was in local government and her father was a Life Member of Apex.

“We were always going to Apex events and helping out. Volunteering was just natural,” said Tracey. As part of Rotary Exchange, Tracey went to South Africa and visited many clubs in both countries which gave her great insight into the power of volunteering.

In the Roxby Community Tracey has filled many roles. One of her earliest was starting the first Community Market which later grew into today’s market run by the RDAS Parents and Friends Committee.

Tracey was instrumental in creating a Toy Library which serviced not only Roxby families but also the outback stations Quilting was another community involvement which included making quilts for a number of fundraisers for the Flying Doctor, Arid Recovery and others. Tracey has been a big supporter of community events, both as a volunteer and as a participant. Tracey said, “Sometimes the only assistance you can

give is to turn up and participate and that’s important.”

Tracey is the person who has continually put her hand up in a crisis. When the photography club was lacking new leadership she and John jumped in to run the group.

On many other occasions she has filled a role because nobody else was available at the time. Tracey’s other involvements as a volunteer has included the Arts and Cultural Forum, Red Earth Festival and she has lost count of the number of theatrical shows she has supported.

Tracy is also a member of Birds Australia and monitors a bird site as part of a long term project.

One of Tracey’s great loves has been RoxFM. Involved since its inception, her interest originally was not as a presenter. She just wanted to help to get it up and running

because she had seen firsthand the value of community radio during her brief stint in Woomera.

However when challenged to go on air she did and has been a regular presenter ever since.

Tracey’s willingness to put her hand up to help out in any situation has been invaluable to the volunteer run station. She has filled in nearly every role at the station including a stint as Acting Station Manager while a new person was recruited.

Asked what benefits she personally has gained from volunteering Tracey said, “Learning. I have learnt to do much from my many and varied roles which in turn has added to my personal growth and assisted me at work. Volunteering has also definitely widened my network and extended my group of friends.”

In 2003/04 a Community Board consulted with over 400 people across the wider community on a diverse range of topics to inform the Board in its preparation of a Community Plan. The consultations focussed on identifying actions to decrease the impact of issues and strategies to maximise opportunities.

The development of the plan was a milestone accomplishment for the community but it raised the question, who was going to implement the initiatives outlined in the plan and keep evolving the plan?

Subse quently the Community Board, Forums and Partnerships were formed to provide their volunteers with a supported structure through which they could implement and manage the community issues and opportunities.

The Community

Board is the town’s peak community body with a role to evolve the Community Plan and to support the Forums and Partnerships to implement their initiatives.

The Forums reflect the community’s highest priorities as recorded during the consultation process and consist of Education and Workplace Training, Health, Family and Youth, Environment, Business, Sport and Recreation and Arts and Culture with Alcohol Substance Abuse and Volunteering operating as Partnerships.

The Boards and Forums have now been in operation for 3 years.

Over the next few weeks The Monitor will profile each of the groups looking up close and personal at their roles, achievements, aspirations, past disappointments and plans for 2009.

Meeting Dates

Community Board (operational only) 09/02/09 7.30pm Community Board (public meeting) 02/03/09 7.30pm Alcohol and Substance Abuse Partnership 18/02/09 7.30pm Environment Forum 10/02/09 7.30pm

An initiative of the Environment Forum

3 green tips to simplify your life: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle RECYCLE – Recycling means that a product, previously treated as waste, is returned to a factory where it is remade into either a new product or the same one again.

1. Did you know that many bottles, cans, ice coffee and plastic drink containers are worth a 10 cent refund?

2. Find out what can be recycled by visiting your local recycling centre 3. Alternatively you can visit Planet Ark’s online recycling guide at www.recyclingnearyou.com.au.

Big Sky is proud to support your local community member of the month

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.

10/08

FURTHER INFORMATION

Page 8 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

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

The

Monitor NEWS

Early learning program almost ready

Father Brian farewelled

By Zak Zeptner

F

ather Brian Matthews is moving on from Roxby Downs after being asked to fulfil the role of priest in Port Lincoln.

Roxby Early Learing Community Group Committee - Michelle Stephens, Kylie Dospisil, Todd Parker, Natasha Mikee and Grace Morokac - Non photographed are Tatum Woodroffe and Mel Egginton.

The Roxby Early Learning Community Group’s building is complete and awaiting approval from the Department of Education and Children’s Services.

Through a $2,000 grant from Alliance One Credit Union and the support of a number of local businesses, the construction, which has been called a major hurdle for the service, was overcome.

The idea for the Roxby Early Learning Community Group was first conceived when it became evident there were limited opportunities in town for children under five years to gain access to structured, play orientated learning.

The service is said to not only provide children with the opportunity to gain new skills but also for parents to share their own life skills and access new networks in the community.

Parents and community members are encouraged to have regular involvement in the development and running of the program to ensure a socially rich program based on the SACSA framework, as well as individual children’s interests and an approach of learning during play.

Vice Chairperson of the Roxby Early Learning Community Group, Kylie Dospisil, said it is great to see the building, which is located at Saint Barbara’s Parish

School, renovated and ready to go.

“Without funding by Alliance One’s Community Partnership Program our visions would not be a reality,” said Ms Dospisil.

“Donations from other generous local businesses and community groups such as Mitre 10, Andamooka CWA, Beenham Elite and Outback Landscape, just to name a few, were also very helpful and we thank everyone involved.

“I am really pleased to see that local organisations do care about our community and assisting volunteers, as Alliance One has done in this case.

“The funding program is a fantastic initiative and I congratulate Alliance One in offering the program to the regional community.”

The Early Learning Program will be managed by a group of community volunteers and two employed early childhood educators.

Staff will have the view of providing a unique education program to enhance the learning of children in their pre-kindergarten years.

For more information on the program, contact Michelle Stephens at the Roxby Early Learning Community Group on 0439 683 609.

DAVE KOVAC al artist Giclée Prints Loc ‘Red-barred Dragon’ Limited Edition of 25

$250 unframed $425 framed

Contact Dave on 0409 726 252 This professional quality printing is done with high tech printers using archival inks & papers. EFTPOS available

The much loved and respect priest admits he is leaving Roxby, not out of a desire to move but due to orders from his Bishop.

“Priests get moved around every now and then but this shift is mainly due to one of our priest having to retire from illness,” Father Brian told The Monitor.

Apparently, the retiring priest is being replaced by someone from Port Pirie, who is being replaced by someone from Port Lincoln, who Father Brian is replacing.

This method of leaving is not dissimilar to the method in which Father Brian first came to Roxby Downs.

“It’s like a stack of dominos, you push one over and all the rest follow.”

Having lived in Roxby for the past four years, Father Brian says he is feeling mixed emotions about leaving.

“I’ve really enjoyed Roxby Downs - I love the people and the outback has been a really good experience for me; I’ve liked being here,” he said.

“It’s been nice to see Roxby grow. It’s grown a reasonable amount since I arrived and it will be sad to go but also exciting to go somewhere new and start new challenges, so it’s all mixed emotions.”

Port Lincoln is a vastly different town to Roxby Downs, though Father Brian admits it is the weather in Port Lincoln he is not looking forward to.

“I’m not looking forward to the cold. I love the climate up here; it’s beautiful, even the hot days above forty don’t really bother me. Going to Lincoln is going to be fun; if it gets over forty the place catches fire,” he said.

Having previously live in Port Lincoln, this move is not so much a fresh start for him as it is a chance to see old friends.

“I went back the other day just to take things there and I managed to catch up with a few people I knew when I was there ten years ago,” said Father Brian.

Father Brian cleaning out his office as he embarks on the next stage of his journey in life.

“There was a family whose lad was about six or seven when I was there and now he’s taller than me and in Year 11 so it’s going to be good catching up with them.”

While Father Brian will settle into Port Lincoln quite easily, there are still many memories of Roxby Downs he will sorely miss.

Those memories include seeing Saint Barbara’s Parish School grow, as well as the Olympic Dam Mine; in fact, Father Brian says having the opportunities to visit the mine have been the highlight of living in Roxby.

“Being able to go underground, to be able to go and see the workers, the supervisors, the managers and being able to walk into Dean’s (Della Valle) office and say ‘G’day, how’s it going?’ has been the most enjoyable part of my stay because I’ve gotten to meet so many people across the whole town,” said Father Brian.

“The community is just so welcoming and it’s very open and people are prepared to invite people

into their group of friends, they’re not frightened to invite someone new in because it wasn’t so long ago that they were new themselves. That aspect of Roxby I hope never changes.”

There is, however, one feature of Roxby life Father Brian has never been able to understand: people not having the chance to say goodbye to many of those leaving town.

“People leave before you have a chance to say goodbye or you don’t know they’re leaving and then suddenly they’re gone; I never got used to that.”

Fortunately, Father Brian has had the chance to say goodbye to people, though as he admits, there will be some he did not get to farewell.

Those unable to farewell the Father include several students attending Saint Barbara’s Parish School, where he works, as he has decided to leave before the start of term.

“I wanted to get out before school starts so the kids don’t see me and then another priest comes in a few days later; they’ll get a

fresh start with someone new.”

That someone knew is Father John, who has returned from a study break in Canada to take Father Brian’s place.

Father Brian already has shown Father John around town, even setting up an underground tour for him at the mine, and believes he will do well in Roxby Downs, offering a few simple words of advice: “Be a gem in Andamooka, reach for the sky in Woomera and glow in the dark in Roxby Downs.”

And too the community that has welcomed him with open arms for the past four years, Father Brian says: “A big thankyou for a wonderful group of people to work with and I wish you all the very best in 2009, which I think is going to be a difficult year for some and I just hope and pray things improve as the year goes on.”

Father Brian received his farewell last Saturday when he performed one of his last services in town and sat down to a shared meal with friends and colleagues.

TO ALL TRADE AND HANDY PERSONS! Are you spending too much money on building supplies and hardware?

Do you want to save money? If so, read this important notice; Mid North Builders Supplies at Laura offer excellent pricing and professional service and specialise in:-

Roofing, gutters, etc ~ Verandahs ~ Carports ~ Sheds Fencing supplies ~ Hardwood & treated pine decking Mid north builders supplies also stock a large range of:-

Structural timber ~ Kiln dried permapine Plumbing supplies ~ C section Edwards solar hws Timber mouldings ~ Plywood ~ Reinforcing mesh Structural pipe ~ Fibre cement sheets & planks.

Plasterboard (unbeatable prices) THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Mid North Builders Supplies now service the north and can arrange delivery right to your front door or building site.

They offer design service and advice. Give them an opportunity to quote your jobs. You will be pleasantly surprised how much money you have saved.

For a no obligation quote or advice on your job, contact mid north builders supplies at Laura.

Ph. 08 86663 2467 Fax. 08 8663 2225 Email. laurie@midnorthbuilders.com.au

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 9

Australia Day

AT THE ROXBY DOWNS SWIMMING POOL LEFT: Helena Hamleton and Karra Norsworth soaking up the sun during the Australia Day celebrations.

RIGHT: Harry Abbott shows real Aussie pride, dressing up as the one accessory all Aussies need: an Esky.

ABOVE: The great Australia Day cake

ABOVE LEFT: Darren Lowe cooking up a storm for the hungry people of Roxby Downs.

ABOVE: Leroy Doran and Tracey Saunders show their Aussie pride on Australia Day. BELOW: Loraine, Murray and Alex Tyler enjoying time together at the pool.

ABOVE LEFT: Sharon, Alan and Mick Harris had a ball swimming and relaxig at the Australia Day celebrations.

Page 10 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Australia Day

AT THE ROXBY DOWNS SWIMMING POOL

ABOVE: Vicky Mason and Kaye Doyal cooking the barbie for the swarms of hungry Aussies.

BELOW: A patriotic Sister Pat joins in the celebrations.

ABOVE: Vic Newton and Milly Breward relaxing at the pool.

BELOW: Winners of the Australia Day and Sport Awards - Left to Right: Phillipa Weltner, Casey Potts, Maree Jackson, Steve Edwards and Andries Neimann.

LEFT: Phoenix, Pog, Indy and Meaghan were the lucky winners of the Australia Day best dressed competition.

BELOW LEFT: Asha, Tara, Isaac and Tayla Swanson show their Aussie pride for the Australia Day celebrations.

RIGHT: Vicky Mason manned the gates, greeting the flock of Aussies on their way to the pool.

BELOW RIGHT: T, Dayzen and Gail Haika and Tessa Ryan got together to celebrate the joys of Australia Day.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 11

Out and About A fond farewell to Father Brian Parishioners, Friends and colleagues gathered last Saturday evening to share Father Brian’s last Mass at St Barbara’s which was followed by shared meal. The Monitor asked some of the parishioners what here fondest memories where of Father Brian.

LEFT: Sister Pat Sister Pat said there are so many good memories but two that stood out were Father Brian’s hospitality, particularly the lovely family meal shared by the parishioners and friends on Easter Saturday night and his devotion to the men at the mine in times of difficulty.

RIGHT: Erika Syvertsen and Jessica Houlahan with Father Brian at his farewell tea.

BELOW RIGHT: A group of parishioners enjoying the farewell meal

RIGHT: Chris Magombedze with Gerard (Yogi) Secker.

Chris will remember Father Brian for doing so much for his family, particularly for the spiritual life of his children whom he baptised.

Gerard will remember Father Brian for his Friendship.

Sally Hoffman, Lisa Phillips, Sean Perry and Nicole Shulz

RIGHT: All enjoyed a meal in fellowship as part of father Brian’s farewell.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays Kohan Cadd - SpidermanTurned 4 years on 7th January.

Page 12 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Birthdays Tayah Cadd - Dora The Explorerturned 2 years on 10th January.

www.themonitor.com.au

Paul and Laura remember the premarital guidance over an occasional glass of wine from Fathers Brian’s wine cellar and later the baptism of their baby Ivy. THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor REAL ESTATE HIA CONSUMER COLUMN

Calm and cool as the temperature rises

Top tips to take charge of your finances I

a great time to get a home loan health check. You could save more than you expect! Always consider whether the fees to switch loans outweigh the benefits.

Overall, be realistic about your finances and identify what aspects of your budget worked last year (if you had one) and learn from your mistakes so you can plan for a Rarely is there any one action that provides a valuable richer, more fulfilling 2009. solution.

The challenge Ms Sheppard said “was at any time of year More to the point successes usually are a result of a is to stick to your plan.” number of smart actions consistently applied over an extend period.

This is strongly reflected when working on actions to manage your finances and particularly a mortgage.

At times like these it’s back to basics, reduce spending by cutting out any superfluous spending and maybe cut back on some of the ‘nice to have’ but not really essential items or services.

With a little thought and planning it is not difficult to save $20 - $100 off the weekly spend, particularly when it accumulates from a lot of small savings.

The important action is what you do with the savings. After the effort of saving the dollars its crucial you use it to pay off credit card debt or reduce your mortgage.

Mortgage Choice Senior Corporate Affairs Manager, Kristy Sheppard says, “If you are among the homebuyers who have successfully snapped up a bargain with the assistance of the First Home Owners Boost, or perhaps a seasoned professional already in the market or contemplating re-entering, the New Year is an ideal time to re-evaluate your mortgage choices and budget For more information on your for the year ahead.” mortgage choices visit Ms Sheppard draws the analogy of our following through on all those good New Year resolutions we make and inwww.mortgagechoice.com.au tend to keep and relating them to smart tips for managing your mortgage. or call 13 MORTGAGE. Give your mortgage a health kick When we think of the New Year, detoxing and getting healthy comes to mind. Instead of paying expensive gym fees, why not curb your takeaway cravings, walk to work, cut back on alcohol and put the savings into your mortgage – a healthy solution all round!

Don’t just plan a diet, stick to it!

Make a realistic budget; the plan is not to remove your ROXBY DOWNS favourite things completely, instead make small sacrifices throughout the month. Every cent counts – spent 3 Blanche Crt $575,000 - $585,000 or saved!

4 bdrm home with lge office Rein in your credit card spending located in a court on 843 sqm, Try to avoid using your credit card in the New Year for new kitchen with down lights as long as possible. If credit card debt is impinging on your throughout, dishwasher, sinkerator, of timber floor New Year budget, consider visiting a Mortgage Choice combination boards & tiles throughout, family loan consultant to determine ways to manage debt. room has a handcrafted Jarrah bar. 2 bathrooms, custom made BIR’s to main bdrm. R/C Keep an eye on the little extras Aircon + evap cooling. Outside, lge outdoor undercover A common mistake by homebuyers is to not include entertainment area with well established gardens, overlooks a sundry amount in their budget for ongoing fees such swimming pool. Dbl garage with roller doors plus dbl carport as strata fees, council rates and maintenance fees. Your and workshop area.

Mortgage Choice loan consultant can provide a clearer 33 Finniss Street $415,000 picture on what to expect month to month.

4 bdrm home with timber floor Don’t let advertising get the better of you boards to living area, kitchen & The summer sun is shining and you’re spending days at dining overlook large undercover the beach, nights at neighbours’ BBQs, and yet you’re still decking area and has full size walk paying the full amount for subscription television. Why not in pantry, Large shed approx 20 x reduce your subscription and contribute the extra funds 30. Leased to a company until May 2009 at $460pw subject to 6 monthly to your home loan? market rent increases.

Don’t just settle for a works burger. Check out the 10 Hakea Way - MGCP $10,000 healthier options first!

With a vast array of loans available in today’s market, 1 bedroom caravan with annexe very neat & tidy, timber and a huge difference between their rates and fees, now is floating floors, kitchen & dining area, shower and toilet inside but also en-suite outside, shaded car parking. Site fees $210 per week, previously rented at $280 pw.

n these uncertain and worrying times it is easy to lose site of the obvious. Sometimes we are so busy looking for a ‘magic bullet’ to fix all our woes we forget about what’s worked in the past.

By David Gaffney, South Australia and NT Executive Director Another blazing summer is in full swing and around Australia householders are working on ways to keep their cool as the temperature mounts.

It’s no wonder that the predominant colour schemes for 2008-09 tend to be whites and greys, with some contrast supplied by oranges, limey greens and various shades of yellow.

A Sydney-based interior designer suggests the selection of green is our response to growing concerns over global warming and its threat to the planet. “We associate green with new life, nature and vitality,” he says.

As in past years, the yearning for the home to be a safe haven against an uncertain world is strong, but while fears of terrorism and other crime is still predominate, they are joined by concerns that environmental degradation is making the Earth an increasingly unpleasant place.

“People sense it all around them – summers are getting hotter, icecaps are melting, sea levels are rising,” he says. “People

are unsure about what they can do, but they want to make a statement.

“In the past they picked neutral colours simply because it was the best scheme to have should they want to sell in the future – now they want them because of their cool, calming effect.”

An HIA builder specialising in renovations says that he has noticed a trend away from air conditioners towards the traditional ceiling fan. “My clients tell me they want to keep cool but they are worried about the amount of greenhouse gas air conditioning units pump into the atmosphere,” he says.

“Fortunately I am able to tell them that the latest generation of ceiling fans are far more efficient than even a few years ago.

They move more air and are almost silent – and they use a lot less electricity than the average air con.”

A sensible renovation can also incorporate elements of passive design, such as orientation and cross-ventilation, making summer more comfortable without unnecessary cost to the individual or the planet.

Hot weather warning on faulty wiring A warning just released by the Archicentre concerning the increased danger of electrical fires in hot weather is a timely consideration for Roxby residents.

With some of our housing stock passing the 20 year mark and a high percentage of them being rental properties which may not receive frequent maintenance and servicing, vulnerability rises. The situation is more critical in very hot temperatures says Archicentre the building advisory service of the Australian institute of Architects “Electrical faults in homes can result in fires when home owners flick the switch to cope with soaring temperatures, overloading the electrical system with the heavy demand of air conditioners.

Such overloads on poorly maintained, illegally installed or older electrical systems can result in injuries, deaths or severe damage to houses or appliances” said an Archicentre spokesperson.

In some cases the excessive demand on electricity to keep cool has closed parts of Australia’s electrical grids.

“People usually associate house fires with winter, however, it is important to recognise electrical safety and fire hazards exist all year round. We have become particularly concerned by the number of summer house fires recently reported throughout Australia.

“Of particular concern are the numbers of houses our architects pick up during pre-purchase inspections where previous owners have undertaken their own illegal wiring.

Often the buyers of older homes are

totally unaware that they could be buying a death trap.”

Archicentre carries out over 20,000 prepurchase home inspections and design reports each year, and is concerned about the number of homes inspected found with electrical faults in a survey of over 100,000 homes.

Archicentre in its home safety inspections for older persons finds there is a constant need for the monitoring of fire safety around the home with the most common faults being the use of double adaptors for radiators, clutter of newspapers and deadlocks on doors without keys on the inside.

“There are around 11,000 house fires in Australia each year, resulting in the deaths of approximately 60 people, often children.

Even if no one is hurt, the emotional cost of losing a home, with cherished possessions and memories, is traumatic.

“Many families owe their lives to working smoke alarms as you can’t smell smoke when you are asleep. Smoke alarms are an essential early-warning system to alert you and your family to the dangers of fire and smoke.”

Research by Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) found that the absence of a smoke alarm can increase the possibility of a fatality by 60%.

The Fire Authorities have also reported that nearly one third of all victims in fatal house fires are seniors.

Seniors are more likely to be injured or killed in a house fire than any other group.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

5/6 Phibbs Crt

Enjoy Your Beach Holidays In Style!

YORKE PENINSULA - PORT VICTORIA

16 Marshall Road

$345,000

Superb 2 storey home already set up with all you’ll need for a perfect holiday home or very comfortable permanent residence.

Sea views, full glass fronted 2nd storey living, 4 bedrooms/ 2 bathrooms, paved pergola entertaining, big shed. Walk to beach, jetty, shops & Hotel.

Great fishing spot!

Mark A. Carter First National 08 8837 3304 www.markacarter.com.au Web ID 1005823

www.themonitor.com.au

$275,000

2 bdrm brick apartment, BIR’s to both rooms, open plan living, small courtyard with pergola, close to shops, currently leased at $345 pw to corporate company until July 09 subject to 6 monthly increases.

60 Pioneer Drive

$400,000

3 bdrm hm, repainted in modern colours, casual living area has timber venetians, adjacent is upgraded kitchen/dining, gas stove & pantry. All 3 bdrms have BIR’s, main bdrm has glass sliding door to entertainment area with private spa. Workshop with rear gate access via single carport.

Leased to company until Feb 09 at $470pw. Available to owner occupy thereafter.

30 Olympic Way $395,000 3 bdrm on corner block, new baltic pine timber kitchen, lg living area with modern carpet, curtains & feature wall. BIR’s to all bdrms, lg paved entertainment area. Currently leased at $460pw until Sept 09 subject to market rent increases.

ALI WEBBER Phone 0417 816 738 Email: ali.webber@wardleco.com.au website: www.wardleco.com.au Lic No. RLA 151074

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 13

Stars Stamped

The

Monitor LIFESTYLE Nicole Kidman

Geoffrey Rush

Image of the movie Moulin Rouge! - 2001

Image of the movie Shine - 1996

F

our of Australia’s most celebrated actors, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush were immortalised on postage stamps released in the lead up to Australia Day. The four Academy Award winners have been named the 2009 Australia Post Australian Legends in recognition of the outstanding contribution they have made to Australian entertainment and culture.

“Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush are household names. The stamps will be a constant reminder of the indelible mark they have made on Australia’s identity and culture,” said Australia Post Managing Director Graeme John Russell Crowe Nicole Kidman said she hoped her children would have an opportunity to Image of the movie Gladiator- 2000 stick her stamp on their mail.

“I have a vested interest in Australia. I want my children to live here at certain times of their life and see how wonderful it is. It would be lovely for them to lick a stamp, put it on an envelope and say ‘that’s my mum’,” she said.

Cate Blanchett said she was very excited about featuring on a stamp.

“I am utterly, deeply, humbled and chuffed by the fact that I’m a stamp. I’m going to be licked by millions of Australians and I can’t wait. It is also recognising the value of the arts in Australia. It brings it into general consumption and if I’m part of that, I feel intensely proud,” she said.

Geoffrey Rush said he was delighted about being on a stamp, having grown up in the 50s and 60s when “the only person on a stamp ever was the Queen.”

“It’s a classy thing to know you’re on security paper,” he said.

Cate Blanchett Image of the movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age - 2007

Oodnadatta Racing and Horse Sports INC donate $10,200 to charity

Written by Hayley Nunn Oodnadatta Race club held its annual general meeting on Saturday November 29. Current members from Mt Barry, Allandale, Macumba, Arckaringa, Mt Sarah, Hamilton, Nilpinna Stations attended the AGM. After a very successful year in 2008 the club has decided to donate $10,200 to the following charities. $5000 to the RFDS, $3000 to the Oodnadatta Clinic, $1000 to Cancer Research, $1000 to the Heart foundation and $200 to the Oodnadatta School Healthy Recess programme The meeting also saw a change in office

bearers for 2009. Eddie Nunn was elected as President, Gerry Nunn secretary, Stephi Quarni assistant secretary and Hayley Nunn Publicity / sponsorship officer.

There was a change in the Bronco Branding bearers new member Haidee Burrows elected secretary Current President Tony Williams Helen Williams has remained treasurer of both committees. Thank you to all 2008 office bearers for a job well done.

The 2009 race meeting will be held on May 16th. The 2008 bronco branding will be held on July 12th.

So start planning your trip with Family and Friends for our 2009 events and we look forward to seeing you all there.

For further information contact Eddie Nunn 8670 7801 or Tony Williams 8670 7961 www.oodnadattaraceclub.org.au.

Oodnadatta Race Club had a very successful year in 2008, donating over $10,000 to charity.

involved and support your

Get

Community Radio Station BECOME A Visit www.roxfm.com.au or call 8671 2545 for more details

RoxFM VOLUNTEER

It’s affordable, fun and best of all it’s a great way to meet like-minded radio enthusiasts!

COMMUNITY RADIO “LOCAL, LIVE AND LOVIN’ IT” Page 14 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Zeppy’s reviews

Monitor LIFESTYLE

Book Review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Wizard fairytales J.K. Rowling’s newest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, has already received international acclaim, topping the best sellers list in its first day and selling over eight million copies worldwide. No surprise there; this is, after all, the world’s most successful author.

I will not lie, I am a hugely massive fan of J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series and when I heard of the publication of Beedle the Bard, I was beyond ecstatic. This book was destined for publication the moment it was mentioned by the famous author, which, incidentally was actually in the final Harry Potter book, The Deathly Hallows.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of fairytales that are common among the families of the Wizarding world, as created

by Rowling. This book is just another example of the scope of Rowling’s story world and the depth she has gone into creating one of the greatest tales of all time.

As I have said, The Tales of Beedle the Bard were first

mentioned during Rowling’s final Harry Potter book, where readers were treated to one of the stories, entitled The Tale of the Three Brothers. Since then, Rowling has added four more stories to her collection and all have been well received by the public.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard were first published by Rowling hereself, with only seven handwritten copies being made. Six of them went to close friends of Rowling and the seventh was auctioned online, selling for just under four million US dollars. I admit upon learning of the limited copies, I was afraid I would never have the opportunity to lay my eyes upon this book, however, merely months after the outstanding auction, it was announced Beedle would be published for the public, with all proceeds going to the Children’s High Level Group.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard consist of five short fair ytales: The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, The Fountain of Fair Fortune,

The Warlock’s Hairy Heart, Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump and The Tales of the Three Brothers.

The book also consists of an introduction by Rowling, outlining the fairytales and their effect on the Wizarding world and each tale is analysed by Professor Albus Dumbledore of the Harry Potter fame.

A factor that makes these fairytales far more interesting than the “muggle” stories is that while our tales use magic as a phenomenon to “save the day”, Beedle’s tales use magic as an every day and illustrate just how unhelpful it can be at times.

The stories Rowling has written are superb, consisting of classic fairytale elements: the are cute, romantic, dark and filled with magic, making them perfect editions to the tales already in existence.

Apart from the stories themselves, the greatest aspect of this book is the narration supplied by Professor Dumbledore. The Professor not only explains the tales in more detail but offers insight into the Wizarding

Movie Review: Max Payne

Way too payneful Video game adaptations rarely live up to the hype of the game. In this instance, I do not know as I have not had the opportunity to play the Max Payne video game, however upon learning it was being adapted to film, I was excited. The storyline seemed interesting, though I only knew what the movie trailers and reviews told me. Still, the concept seemed perfect to create an action-packed, in-depth movie that would appeal to action junkies. Sadly, I was thoroughly disappointed with this flick.

Centering on a burnt out cop desperately searching for the man who murdered his wife and child, Max Payne is a man not to be messed with. Or so one would imagine. The story follows Max on his mission to avenge his loved ones in what can only be described as a foolish and unplanned plotline.

Simply watching the movie trailer will give you a confused outline of the film, as the use of demons and otherworldly creatures are seen as a nemesis Max must battle. However, upon watching the film, I learned this is not the case and the demons are nothing more than a foolish element to make the movie more visually appealing.

The tone of the film is dark, illustrating Max’s loss and as such, viewers naturally expect violence and cool action scenes.

This is not the case. The action does not pick up until the final 30 minutes of the movie, and the hour preceding that is nothing more than Max walking around in the dark searching for his family’s killer, to no avail. Questions are many in Max Payne and none are answered until the end, making the first hour of this

movie quite boring. If there was action it would not matter as much, but absolutely nothing happens. The only upside to the first half of the film is Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, but even her eye candy elements do not make up for the complete lack of storyline.

Mark Wahlberg performed well as Max, bringing to life what little the script had to offer. Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges and Amaury Nolasco delivered excellent performances however their characters were written very poorly. The writers had so much potential to create a thrilling, suspenseful movie but alas, they failed audiences miserably.

The possibilities for this movie to be great were high but unfortunately, the filmmakers spent too much time creating a visually appealing film and not enough on storyline. Action scenes were minimal in Max Payne and the lack of explanation as to what happened to Max’s family, and a lack of story to propel the movie forward, lead to a painful failure. If all the unimportant scenes that offered little explanation were cut, Max Payne would have a run time of 30 minutes, and even then, it would still not be worth watching.

If you want a movie that does not really make sense, offers little credit to the audience and has an ending even a six year old could guess, then Max Payne is for you. If you are searching for something with a little more substance that does not force the audience to imagine the main character dying just so the film will end, then avoid Max Payne at all costs.

The verdict: 1.5/5

world, suppling interesting anecdotes of his own and other titbits of Wizarding history.

One element I could not fail to notice was the criticism the Tales of Beedle the Bard has received (all in the book as part of the story, of course). According to Professor Dumbledore, there is a particular witch who has invested considerable time in attempting to ban and even rewrite the tales, which she believes to be corrupting the innocence of children. I cannot help but notice a similar situation in real life surrounding the Harry Potter series and a particular woman who campaigned to have them removed from schools and libraries, claiming they were indoctrinating children into Satanism and witchcraft. I laughed whenever the woman in Beedle was mentioned, unable to help comparing her with the

woman so blatantly against Harry Potter. Is this art imitating life, Ms Rowling?

The Tales of Beedle the Bard are a superb collection of stories by an author who more than deserves international acclaim.

This is a book for the fans of the Harry Potter series definitely, however the tales do not require any prior knowledge of Harry Potter and therefore I recommend it to anyone with an interest in good fairytales. Whether it is to read to your children, to prolong the end of Harry Potter or simply for something to read, The Tales of Beedle the Bard is an excellent book. The one disappointing factor is it only contained five stories and not more, but that’s the Harry Potter fan in me talking.

What’s On across

the

HEALTH ROXBY DOWNS’ FAMILY PRACTICE Phone: 8671 3231 ROXBY DOWNS’ MEDICAL PRACTICE 9:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday Saturday morning by appointment.

Phone: 8671 1900 VISITING ALLIED HEALTH SERVICE DIABETES EDUCATOR - 20th Feb, 9th & 24th Apr Phone: 86485706 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - 5th, 6th & 20 Feb Helps children with: play development, daily living skills, sensory issues & integration, hand skills & fine motor development such as cutting, drawing and writing.

Phone: 86485800 SPEECH PATHOLOGIST - 5th, 6th & 20 Feb Helps children with: listening, understanding, communicating / talking, feeding and behaviour management.

Phone: 86485800 PHYSIOTHERAPIST - 5th, 6th Feb Assists with: Movement development, balance and coordination, targeting posture, muscle strength, flexibility and fitness.

Phone: 86485800 COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH WORKER - 5th, 6th & 20 Feb Specialised 1 to 1 counselling aimed at promoting mental, emotional, physical and social health for 18 to 65 year olds.

Phone: 86485800 DIETITICIAN - 20th Feb Provides advice on: healthy eating/ nutrition, introducing solids, allergies, special diets menu planning and service delivery method.

Phone: 86485800 PODIATRIST - 20th Feb A Podiatrist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents foot problems.

Phone: 86485500 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE 5th & 6th Feb Confidential counselling for children up to 18 years.

Phone: 1800819089 ANTENATAL GROUP Saturday 7th Feb: Pregnancy, labour and delivery & Sunday 8th Feb: Post natal topics and services.

For more information and to book your place please phone Kae on 8671 0920 HEARING SERVICES 9:00am-2:30pm Monday to Friday Phone:1800 006 303 DOCTOR’S NEW SPECIALISED DRUG Phone: 1800 700 270 (Number for Medicare Use) ROXBY DOWNS’ FAMILY AND YOUTH OFFICER Crisis and relationship councelling, mediation and support.

Phone: 8671 2892 CRISIS CARE COUNSELLING Uniting Care Wesley Port Augusta Regional Women’s and Children’s Support Services: 1800 655 716 Crisis care line:13 16 11 For immediate response if feeling stressed call 0428 326 529 to speak with a counsellor 24/7 BREASTFEEDING ROXBY DOWNS’ GROUP 1:30pm - 3:00pm Third Tuesday of the month.

At the Roxby Downs Public Library.

GENERAL INFORMATION SCHOOL TERMS 2008 Term 1: 27 Jan – 9 Apr Term 2: 27 Apr – 3 Jul Term 3: 20 Jul – 25 Sep Term 4: 12 Oct – 11Dec MT DARE HOTEL 8am – 9pm Open every day OUTBACK COMMUNITY GARDENS Phone: 8671 2892 ROXBY ROAD SAFE Phone: 8671 2892

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

region

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Phone: 8671 2001 CULTURAL & LEISURE PRECINCT - MOVIES Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Phone: 8671 2001 ROXBY DOWNS TODDLERS’ STORY TIME 9:30am - 11:00am Tuesday & Thursday (repeated) 3rd & 5th February “Where is the Green Sheep?”

Fun for young children and mums Meet at Roxby Downs Library ANDAMOOKA TODDLERS’ STORY TIME - Fun for 1-4 years.

10:30am Monday Phone: 8672 7018 Meet at Andamooka Community Library PLAYGROUP - St. Barbara’s Parish School Call Jakki: 8671 2323 PLAYGROUP - Roxby Downs Kindergarten 10:00am - 11:30am Friday ROXBY DOWNS’ HEALTH SERVICES COFFEE MORNING 9:30am - 11:00am Thusrday Meet at the Dunes Café RAPTORS CYCLING CLUB 8:00am Sunday Social bike riding group Meet at Stuart Road roundabout DADS AND KIDS For Dad’s and kid’s of all ages - 9.30am -12pm Meet at the Lions Park 3rd Sunday of every month ROXBY DOWNS’ CHILDCARE 6:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday Phone: 8671 0911

COMMUNITY MEETINGS Community members are welcome to attend any meeting of the Roxby Downs Community Board, Forums and Partnerships - see schedule on the Community Matters page.

For more information call Michelle Hales on 8671 0010 ROXBY DOWNS’ ROTARY CLUB 1st and 3rd Monday of the month Meet at the Dunes Café For more information contact Kaye Doyle ANDAMOOKA OPAL GIRL GUIDES Andamooka Community Hall Mondays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Phone: 0427072710 OUTBACK MULTI-CULTURAL GROUP Phone: 8671 2892

CHURCH ROXBY DOWNS’ LUTHERAN CHURCH 10:30am 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month 5:30pm 3rd Sunday of each month 9:30am every Sunday during school terms FAITHWORKS’ CHRISTIAN CHURCH An Assemblies Church meets every Sunday 9.30 am at Roxby Downs Catholic School Library ST. BARBARA’S PARISH CATHOLIC CHURCH Saturday 6:00pm Sunday 9:00am 78 Pioneer Drive, Roxby Downs ANDAMOOKA/ROXBY BIBLE CHURCH 10:00am Sundays, Worship Service 6.30pm Fridays, Kids Club, 7 years + Phone: 8672 7213 ROXBY DOWNS COMMUNITY CHURCH 10am Sunday Worship.

For other events & activities phone Alison 8671 1032

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 15

The

Monitor EMPLOYMENT/CLASSIFIEDS The

ACCOMMODATION

THE WINNER

ADELAIDE Accommodation www.seacroftapartments. com.au. Semaphore $85 per night. Phone: 0412 106 646

56th CARRIETON RODEO SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2008

IS KIM OLDFIELD from Woomera

FOR SALE ANDAMOOKA, House and 2 vacant adjoining blocks $320k or 2 vacant adjoining blocks $80k each. Enquiries: 03 5562 7960 WALLAROO – Private Sale – ready to move into, distinctive home, 3 1/2 years old, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Large family room, large dining room, large kitchen, huge laundry, 7hp reverse-cycle refrigerated aircon, Whole house on rainwater, all the work done - $395,000 ring owner 0419 804 157 KADINA, STH AUST - Rural allotment, well located, 3 minutes from town, on a peaceful acreage over 7 acres, fully fenced, Power, water available, subdivision potential. Contact Ray on 0400 713 996 HOUSE FOR RENT 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, double garage and 20’ x 30’ shed. Ph: 0419 847 625 or 0409 847 644.

CLASSIFIEDS

SELL EVERYTHING SELL your unwanted goods, cars, caravans, furniture, etc

Kim Oldfield won: Six complimentary tickets to the Carrieton Rodeo, Rodeo merchandise, including Esky, hats, echo holders, stickers and more!

Total prize valued at $250

ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PRE PAID

ROXBY DOWNS AREA SCHOOL

Town Power Line Outage

POSITION VACANT

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE DIRECTOR

1st February 2009

TENURE: Initially 12 months (Hours per week between 30 – 38) Reviewed in October 2009 COMMENCEMENT DATE Monday 23rd February, 2009

. . .

Affected Areas

QUALIFICATIONS: Early Childhood Teaching or Childcare Qualifications Senior First Aid Certificate.

Mandatory Reporting and Police Check This position involves coordination of the Roxby Downs Area School Out of School Hours Care and Vacation programs.

These programs provide care and activities for children aged 5 to 12 years before and after school and during school vacation.

The Director reports to the Principal and is accountable to the school’s Governing Council.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR A JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION PLEASE RING ANNIE UHLIK AT THE

ROXBY DOWNS AREA SCHOOL 8671 0011

LIMIT FREE A $400,000 Annual Income Potential www.limitfree.com.au

Monitor

Roxby Downs Township, including Roxby Village,

Olympic Dam Industrial Estate, including Olympic Dam Village and Airport, Desalination Plant

Duration of the outage will be from 0200hrs to 0800hrs on Sunday the 1st of February 2009.

The outage duration for the Olympic Dam Industrial Estate, including Olympic Village and Airport will run from 0200hrs to 1200hrs.

The above power outage is required for maintenance works to the 33kV Town power line.

Duration and times may vary slightly.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY, 2009.

EASY FIND

YOUR BUSINESS

BUSINESS INFO

DIRECTORY

Stephen Scott-Hoy B.Optom

Ne e d fri end ly, professi onal e ye c are and quality fashi on e ye we ar w ith a fu l l b ack-up s er v i ce?

For bookings at:

ANDAMOOKA Ph 8672 7007 Tues day 3 rd Febr u ar y

ROXBY DOWNS Ph 8563 0102 Mond ay 2 nd & Tues d ay 3 rd Febr u ar y

WO OMER A

Ph 8673 7473 We dnes day 4 t h Februar y

Examinations bulk-billed Serving rural and regional South Australia since 1990

Evans Mini Earthworks

Provides the following services in Roxby Downs & Andamooka • Bobcat Hire • Tipper Hire • Post Hole Boring • Sand, Gravel, Barkchip, etc.

• General Yard Cleanup • Rubbish Removal For your FREE quote, please phone Ian: 0439 287 205 or Jodie: 0400 087 066, or Email: emearthworks@bigpond.com Locally owned business!

DUSTY DOGS

Pt Pirie & Adelaide Depots

grooming service

Antique & Household Removals Local, Interstate & Country Storage & Delivery Specialists

Ph: 0427 716 173 Roxby Downs À Pt Augusta À Pt Pirie PROVIDING A COMPLETE SERVICE

BLD - 173944

EME

•General Repairs •Fencing •Carpentry •Cabinet-making •Plumbing •Gas-Àtting •Electrical •Carpet/Vinyl •Painting •Refrigeration

Ph 8671 1234 Fax 8671 2823 Mob 0407 711 234 Shop 5/14 Tutop Street, Roxby Downs, SA Page 16 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Heated hydrobath Clipping Blowdry and nail trims

Sherri Seery Phone for appointment 0423393280 Pick up and delivery service Eftpos facilities

Life Changing Massage

By Appointment Only

By Fiona Pillar Dip Remedial Cert IV Bowen

Ph: 0417 860 130

•Remedial & Sports •Bowen Therapy •Traditional Thai •Hawaiian Ka Huna •Foot Massage •Relaxation & Pain Relief

www.themonitor.com.au

HeavyTruck Licences, HR, HC (Semi) Regional & Country Areas Serviced For enquiries and bookings: Phone: 8244-4374 Or 0417158098 Email: adelaidetrucktc@bigpond.com 660 South Road, Wingfield. S.A.

ACCESS

C

CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Mark Barnes Consults at 97 Pioneer Drive, Roxby Downs THURSDAYS 4 pm - 9.30 pm FRIDAYS 7.30 am - 12 noon Instant health fund rebates • 24 hour/7 day booking & enquiry service

PHONE 8645 0880

Senior First Aid 1 or 2 Day Courses Roxby Downs Nationally accredited HLTFA301B

$150.00 per person Highly experienced local trainer Other emergency training also available Contact Steve Moore 0429 883 842 remoteindustrial@bigpond.com

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor NEWS

COUNCIL SNIPPETS

Local artist showcases work Andamooka artist Alex Mendelssohn is hosting an exhibition of work in the Roxby Downs Cultural Precinct Art Gallery until February 7.

Come along and witness the marvellous works of this great artist, with landscapes and semi abstract paintings on display to showcase his vast talent.

Alex, who is the great, great grandson of famous German composer Felix Mendelssohn, has been painting since 1973.

“I always belie ved through my background there was artistic talent,” says Alex.

Alex moved to Andamooka in 1958 to mine for opal and found the subtle beauty of the out-

Web: www.roxbycouncil.com Email: roxby@roxbycouncil.com.au Office hours: Mon to Frid – 9am to 5pm.

After hours Emergencies, please phone 0419 892 870.

HOME POOL SAFETY: As we are in the school holidays and the heat is upon us, we are concerned as to the possibility of danger around the home swimming pool.

Please ensure that all pools are surrounded by a child proof fence. It must meet the required government standard (Australian Standards A51926.1) Any information can be obtained from the web site www.planning.sa.gov.au/go/building policy or calling 08 83030602 or collecting a brochure from the Roxby Downs Council.

MOSQUITOES: There appears to be quite a few mosquitoes around the township.

Please check any containers e.g. flower pots and their saucers, fountains, pools, dog baths etc and empty the water which is just lying still. The mosquito tends to breed in still water. Please note that the storm dams in the township have been treated with a mosquito control substance.

(Prolink) We encourage you to use a good repellent and to wear long sleeves and trousers whilst they are active.

BUSHFIRE PREVENTION: Saturday 1st November saw the start of the Fire Danger Season.

This will continue until 31st March, 2009.

Some points to consider: - Cleaning up around yards - Clean out gutters - Trim trees, especially those brushing against the house - Clear undergrowth where possible - Make yourself fully aware of the BBQ regulations When cleaning the rubbish, be aware of snakes and rodents. Please make known the total fire ban days.

Incase of Fire dial 000. When next visiting the council office, please take your free copy of Preparing for Bushfires.

DEPOSIT OF RUBBISH ETC: Under Local Government Regulations it is an offence to deposit rubbish, goods, materials earth, stone gravel or any other substance on a public road or place. This will incur a fine.

OPAL ROAD LANDFILL OPENING HOURS: The Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours are 1pm – 6pm, seven days a week. Residents are encouraged to utilise this FREE service. For Further information contact Council 8671 0010 or BSH Waste Solutions on 8671 1154.

Collect your free magnet when next in the office.

ILLEGAL PARKING: This is a friendly reminder from Council, that parking in the following zones is illegal: WITHIN THE ROXBY DOWNS TOWNSHIP: - A loading zone - A drop off zone - A disabled park WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS: - A nature strip - Local Government land.

- Vehicle left on side of the road for greater than 24 hours - Parked in the opposite direction of oncoming traffic.

Under the Local Government Act, Council has the power to instigate Infringement Notices and/or impound the vehicle(s) for the noted offence.

If infringement notices are not paid by the due date, then a fine will apply.

Please make yourself aware of all the parking regulations and signage.

ADVERTISING ON COUNCIL

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

DOG REGISTRATION: - Dog registrations are for 12 months in the financial year calendar. (July 08 – June 09), NOT 12 month calendar year. Grace period for registration expired on 31 August 2008; thereafter an $80.00 expiation fee applies under Section 33 of the Dog and Cat Management Act. - Please also ensure that all dogs over the age of three months are registered, failure to comply can again result in an $80.00 Expiation Notice being issued.

- Make sure when changing your address, you also change the address of your dog(s) - If infringement notices are not paid by the due date, then a fine will apply.

RATES: 08/09 Financial year Rates have been declared and have been issued. Due date for the 1st Quarter was 30th September 2008, due date for the 2nd Quarter was 16th December 2008, The next two quarter due dates are the 17th March and the 16th June 2009. If you have any enquiries please contact Bronnie Warren on 8671 0010 during office hours.

ELECTRICITY: Accounts for 31 December 2008 quarter have now been issued. Please ensure that all accounts are paid by the 2nd February, 2009 to avoid late payment fee. Please also note as of 1st January 2009, electricity tariffs have increased. A flyer has been issued with quarterly accounts.

WATER: Accounts for 31 December 2008 quarter have now been issued. Please ensure that all accounts are paid by the 16th February 2009 to avoid a late payment fee. Please also note as of 1st January 2009, water charges have increased. A flyer has been issued with quarterly accounts.

PAYMENTS: If you are unable to come into the council office during work hours, we do offer payment of any accounts via the Internet or credit card facility via the phone. Please call the office on 8671 0010 for details.

GENERAL INFORMATION for Electricity & Water - Autopays & Direct Debits - All MONTHLY AUTOPAYS AND DIRECT DEBITS are taken out on the 20th of each month.

- All QUARTERLY AUTOPAYS are taken out on the DUE DATE of the Notice - All QUARTERLY DIRECT DEBITS are taken out on the 20th day of which the notice is due.

SERVICE SA: Service SA operates at the council office on Wednesday and Thursdays ONLY between the hours of 9.00am and 4.30pm. Council provides Transport Services including Vehicle and Boat Registrations and Licensing Transactions. No learner written theory tests to be started after 4.00pm.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

back to be an inspiration for his landscapes.

Alex has hosted many exhibitions and is currently attempting to make it big in America, basing his enterprises in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Alex told The Monitor he does not copy anyone in his painting style, saying he is blessed to be able to paint in many ways.

One of Alex’s favourite and most challenging styles of painting is abstract, though he reassured The Monitor he does not paint the futuristic abstract pictures, the ones containing cubes and the like.

If you are looking for art work that is a refreshing change from the modern art of today, come along to the Art Gallery in the Cultural Precinct and see the fantastic art that is Alex Mendelssohn’s.

Roxby Downs Health Services and Roxby Downs Community Library

Toddler Story Time Term One 2009 The sessions will run on Tuesday mornings, 9.30am to 11pm and be repeated on Thursday mornings, 9.30am to 11am.

DATE

THEME 3rd & 5th Feb Sheep 10th & 12th Feb Cats and Dogs 17th &19th Feb Minibeasts 24th & 26th Feb My Body 3rd & 5th Mar Circus 10th & 12th Mar Numbers 1-5 17th & 19th Mar Toys 24th & 26th Mar Multiculturalism 31st Mar & 2nd Apr Fairies 7th & 9th Apr Easter/Eggs

BOOK “Where is the Green Sheep” “Dear Zoo” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” “Whose Nose?”

“Last Night I Dreamed a Circus” “Five Little Monkeys” “One Ted Fell out of Bed” Sylvia (Polish Story) “Alice the Fairy” “The Smallest Bilby and the Easter Games”

For more information contact Roxby Downs Health Services Karen Russell - Allied Health 16-28 Burgoyne Street - Roxby Downs SA 5725 Telephone: 08 8671 9020 www.countryhealth.sa.gov.au

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 17

The

Monitor SPORT The Friends of Arid Recovery Committee is currently desperately seeking new committee members to contribute to the running of the group and the support of the Arid Recovery.

Do you have some spare time?

Interested in donating some of it to a good cause?

We could really use your help!!

For more information, please contact Reece Pedler: 0400 038 452

What’s On

Shave Andrew Symonds Australian cricket legend Andrew Symonds will lose his trademark dreadlocks on Monday February 16 when he shaves his head live on the Today Show.

As part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Save, one lucky person will have the honour of shaving his hair.

The conditions are simple: if Symonds is able to raise $10,000, one

person who donated to his cause will be picked to shave his dreadlocks.

“Every person who donates through my page on www.worldsgreatestshave.com goes in the draw to shave my head,” said Andrew.

“Any amount will make you eligible, so donate now.”

The Leukaemia Foundation’s 11th World’s Greatest Shave will be held

between March 12 and 14, with tens of thousands of people shaving or colouring their hair to raise money for blood cancer research to support the 10,000 Australians projected to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders each year.

“The Leukaemia Foundation has generously offered to donate half of the funds raised through my profile page to The Royal Flying Doctor Service in recognition of my ambassador role,” added Andrew.

“Best of luck to all my fellow shavers and I look forward to seeing you all at the cricket.”

Simon Matthias, General Manager of the Leukaemia Foundation in South Australia says 16 people are diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma each week in this state.

“The impact of a blood cancer diagnosis on lives is devastating. Andrew Symonds is one of the world’s finest one-day cricketers. We hope South Australians not only support Andrew’s personal fundraising effort but also follow his lead and register to shave or colour their own hair this March,” he said.

To register for the World’s Greatest Shave or donate to the Leukaemia Foundation, call 1800 500 088 or visit www.worldsBe the lucky person to shave Andrew Symonds’ hair in the World’s Greatest greatestshave.com.

Shave.

OPEN 7 DAYS

Post Ofce & Motel

Roxby Bowls for Alcohol

s p o rt s

MONDAY KARATE - Auditorium * Resumed 19th Jan 6:00pm - 8:30pm

THURSDAY NIPPY GYM - Auditorium 9:30am - 11:30 am

SENIOR INDOOR SOCCER - Indoor Courts ** VOLLEYBALL - Leisure Centre Resumed 13th Jan for social games Resumes in Feb - TBA Competition matches commence late 6:30pm - 8:30pm February 6:00pm Social matches SPIN - Pulse Gym 7:00pm SQUASH - Leisure Centre TUESDAY 7:00pm - 10:00pm COME-N-TRY-SOCCER (JUNIORS) - Indoor Resumes in Feb - TBA Courts SENIOR BASKETBALL Reasumes 10th Feb Resumed 20th Jan / 7pm-10pm 3:30pm - 6:00pm SENIOR INDOOR SOCCER - Indoor Courts ** Resumed 13th Jan for social games Competition matches commence late February 6:00- 8:00pm SQUASH - Leisure Centre Resumes in Feb - TBA TOUCH FOOTBALL - Town Oval Resumed 6th Jan 6:30-9pm Grand Final scheduled for 24th February SENIOR BASKETBALL - Indoor Courts Resumed 20th Jan / 7pm-10pm

WEDNESDAY SPIN - Pulse Gym 6:00am KARATE - Auditorium * Resumed 19th Jan 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Behind the Famous Bottle House

Opal Creek Boulevard, Andamooka & after hours by appointment

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

Consultant to developed a holistic alcohol and substance abuse management plan for Roxby Downs

FRIDAY

INDOOR HOCKEY Resumes 13th Feb Nominations close 6th Feb Juniors 5:00pm - 6:30pm Seniors 6:30pm - 8:30pm ASSOCIATION NETBALL Season commences in May TENNIS Resumes 30th Jan 7:15pm - 10:00pm

SATURDAY JUNIOR BASKETBALL Games resumes 31st Jan / 9am-5pm FOOTBALL Season commences April Training starts early Feb TBA TENNIS Resumes 30th Jan 6:00pm - 10:00pm ASSOCIATION NETBALL Season commences in May CRICKET Resumed 10th Jan Grand Final scheduled for 28th March

WOMEN & MIXED NETBALL SUNDAY Resumes 18th Feb SOFTBALL - School Oval 6pm - 9:30pm 10am Junior learn and play sessions Nominations close 6th Feb SWIMMING: Training currently underway. Training days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Training times differ during the week.

ROXBY DOWNS SPORTING CAR CLUB 2009 Saturday 21st Feb Night meeting * Contact Reinhardt Viljoen on 0428 843 921 ** Contact Daniel Neyland on 0404376391

Page 18 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

The Roxby Downs Alcohol and Substance Abuse Partnership seeks to engage a person with experience in this field who can identify and evaluate the issues and opportunities and develop them into a holistic community Alcohol and Substance Abuse management plan.

The project will include:

• a review of alcohol and drug management plans from other comparable communities identifying areas of best practice, • identifying what services are currently available to support people affected by substance abuse and assessing their effectiveness, their capacity and uptake, • researching the effectiveness of service delivery and identify gaps in service provision, • consulting with local stakeholders (such as police and health services) to seek their input to the plan, • investigating how the ASA Partnership can best promote responsible drinking of alcohol, • developing strategies to assist organisations to manage initiatives , programs and ongoing actions to reduce the instances of alcohol and substance abuse, • identifying potential funding opportunities for any initiatives or programs arising from the plan.

For more information and a copy of the brief contact

Ray Goldie Telephone 0411 553 688 or email r.goldie@goldiestrategic.com Applications close 10th February 2009

The ASA Partnership is a subcommittee of the Roxby Downs Community Board. The Board is a on a quarterly basis.

www.themonitor.com.au

It’s not what you think; the bowlers are not being rewarded with alcohol as prizes.

What our local bowlers are doing is joining in a national initiative by giving their considerable financial and sporting support to a great cause.

The Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation will be joined

by The Good Sports Program and the Australian Drug Foundation in an event which will highlight the benefits of responsible drinking and serving.

The AER Foundation Australian Mixed Pairs Challenge, the richest tournament for club players, is now in its 4th year and raises funds to assist the AERF in its work to combat drug and alcohol related issues within Australian communities.

Bowling clubs Australia wide, including Roxby Downs. will be conducting a special tournament day to promote the work of the AER Foundation and deliver the message about sensible drinking, such as encouraging players to quench their thirst with soft drink or water before drinking alcohol, educating clubs and players about

serving and drinking alcohol by standard measure and the importance on having designated drivers or using alternative transport if necessary.

On the sporting side there is plenty to be won, with a prize pool of over $40,000.

Played under the auspices of Bowls Australia, the event attracted over 5000 players last season and it is expected that Australian bowlers will again rise to the occasion to support one of Australia’s quiet and effective workers.

Winners of the club events will contest regional finals, which will be followed by a state final on March 22 at a venue to be decided.

All regional winners and runner-up will receive trophies and prize money.

This program is successfully working with community based sports clubs to combat the alcohol culture by good management, with the aim of providing a safer environment for players, members, families and supporters.

Details of the Roxby Event are yet to be released

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor SPORT

Soccer season soon Senior Basketball in shots

T

he soccer committee would like to remind community members that scratch match games are currently in session.

Scratch matches are currently being held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Leisure Centre between 6pm to 8pm.

Games are played in a non-competitive spirit and are great opportunities for players to meet and play with people who are usually opponents.

Advertising for the new season will be-

gin soon, which commences in late February, and inclusion of new teams will be cut off approximately a week before the starting date. After this, new players can only be added to existing teams.

Anyone wishing to help with the running of the league is urged to contact Daniel Neyland, who is currently putting together a group that will govern the game.

The first task of the new group will be to review the rules for the upcoming season and participation from as many teams as possible would be beneficial.

MINERS 2009 NETBALL SEASON Coaches & Support staff wanted Send correspondence to: The secretary Roxby Districts Sporting Club Po Box 235 Roxby Downs SA 5725 Coaching applications close: Monday 2nd February 2009

NETBALL TRIALS Monday 9th, 16th & 23rd February 7:00pm – 9:00pm @ Roxby Downs Rec Centre For further information contact: Lena Allen 04377 13192 Photos: From the top to the bottom: 1. Andrei Goranov 2. Daniel Neyland (red) and Rodrigo Segovia 3 & 4. Tom Merry

Roxby Districts Sporting Club

It may have only been a scratch match but these players exercised their skills with vigor as they prepare for the new season.

are pleased to announce Mark Dalgleish as the new Coach of the Roxby Miners for 2009.

Training will commence on Tuesday the 3rd of February at 7pm and Thursday 5th February at 5.30pm.

To advertise here call to The Monitor 8671 2683

All current and new players are invited to attend.

See you there.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 – Page 19

Monitor SPORT The

Your Community Newspaper ~ Roxby Downs

www.themonitor.com.au

Sporting achievements honoured

Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843

By Zak Zeptner

S

ports Person of the year awards which commenced in 2007 are presented annually by the Roxby Downs Sport and Recreation Forum. The awards honour our local sporting greats and are presented to the Sports Person and Junior Sports Person of the Year The prestigious awards are presented each year on Australia Day and this year were presented by the Forums Secretary Kaye Doyle.

Congratulations must go to 15-yearold Andries Neimann and to Phillipa Weltner for their achievement in local sport over the past year.

Phillipa, who is an active committee member of the Swimming Club and Head Coach, admitted she was “shocked” to be receiving this award.

“It was a big surprise, I had no idea; I thought I was down here to support Andries,” she told The Monitor.

“I’m very honoured and proud to receive this award; you don’t do it for the awards but I’m really proud.”

Phillipa fantastically coaches four sessions a week for the Swimming Club and is constantly there to help out in other sessions when needed.

She is a wealth of knowledge for the club, assisting other committee members with their duties, as well as organising and supporting with fundraisers, events set-ups and pack-ups, presentations and also helps to keep all records up to date.

In only three years on the Swimming Club committee, Phillipa has aided the club to grow from 40 members to 110 members and even organised a camp last year with Elizabeth Swim Club coming to train with Roxby.

Phillipa also introduced personal best certificates and family nights to ensure all swimmers and families feel a part of the club.

It is for these reasons and many more than she was nominated for the 2009 Sports Person of the Year Award.

“This award probably gives me the strength to go on for a few more years with the club,” said Phillipa.

Another recognition for the Swimming Club came when Andries Neimann proudly received the Junior Sports Person of the Year Award. Andries who was lured to the Australia Day celebrations under false pretences was totally unaware he was receiving this award.

Andries was extremely humble when accepting his award and when asked what it means to him, his reply was simple: “I don’t really know.”

“I’ve never won anything like this before but I’m sure its got to be good for something,” he joked.

Andries had a fantastic year with his swimming in 2008, when in January he took home second in the 200 metre Freestyle event.

He was also third in both the 100 and 400 metre Freestyle events, which is a remarkable achievement considering he was competing against clubs who have year round access to a pool.

Andries’s goals and leadership skills saw him named club captain, where he has assisted with the Learn to Swim Squads and helped designing team swim programs.

He competed at Norwood, where he came in third and has also competed at country carnivals, bringing home countless medals for his collection.

Andries holds a club record in each stroke, and hopes to have them all at the end of the season, a task well within his grasp.

With a dedicated training scheme of seven sessions per week, including 5.30am sessions, Andries is set for a fantastic future in the world of swimming.

His dream is to qualify for the 2012 Olympics and advises anyone wishing to achieve this award to “keep going and be dedicated.”

Again, The Monitor congratulates both Phillipa and Andries on their sporting achievement and wishes them the best of luck in the future.

Andries Neimann and Phillipa Weltner were the proud recipients of the Roxby Downs Sports and Recreation Forum’s 2008 Sports Person on the Year Awards.

What’s happening at the Roxby Downs Cultural & Leisure Precinct

WEDNESDAY NETBALL Women’s A Grade, B Grade & Mixed Season commences February 18 Nominations close February 6

roxbyleisure

Nomination forms available at Kiosk Phone Bridget for more info 8671 0500

phone 8671 2001

outbackcinema

this week >

Pulse Combat Tuesday 6pm Thursday 9am

CLASSES

Pulse Aqua Monday 6pm Saturday 10am

SAW V Rated MA Duration 92 mins.

TWILIGHT Rated M Duration 121 mins.

You won’t believe how it ends. Detective Hoffman and Agent Strahm clash as they each investigate the apparent continuation of the jigsaw murders. Stars Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson and Betsy Russell. Screens: Friday 30 January 7:30pm, Saturday 31 January 3pm, Tuesday 3 February 4pm.

When you can live forever, what do you live for?

A teenage girl risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire.

Stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke and Ashley Greene.

Screens: Saturday 31 January 12noon & 7:30pm, Sunday 1 February 12noon, Tuesday 3 February 7pm.

Page 20 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper